Cultivating Purpose, Virtue, and Wisdom: An Action Research Study of Classical Christian Education in a High School Business Classroom

Title
Cultivating Purpose, Virtue, and Wisdom: An Action Research Study of Classical Christian Education in a High School Business Classroom
Creator
Vasti Arias-Montero
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
Project Type
action_research_project
Date
6/12/2026
Abstract
This action research study examined the effectiveness of a Trivium-based instructional approach inspired by Classical Christian Education (CCE) for strengthening critical thinking, communication, and financial reasoning in a high school business classroom. The study integrated grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric through instructional strategies such as Socratic seminars, Shark Tank case studies, commonplace journals, word wall simulations, and low-stakes assessments. Data was collected over a six-week period using multiple qualitative and quantitative sources, including student artifacts, classroom observations, surveys, reflective journals, simulation assessments, and a modified Watson-Glaser critical think assessment. Analysis following the triangulated action research design revealed significant limitations with regards to faithful implementation despite increase student engagement though purposeful learning experiences, growth in critical thinking and financial reasoning, and development in confidence, wholistic identity, and purpose.

Keywords: Classical Christan Education (CCE), Trivium, Business Education, Critical Thinking, Student Engagement, Financial Literacy, Purpose-Centered Pedagogy
Keywords
Classical Christan Education (CCE)
Student Engagement
Business Education
Committee Member
Marcus Wenzel
David Fox
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 07/27/2026, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Language
eng
Type
text
Image;StillImage
data