PHIL 701

Philosophy for Children – Theory and Practice


Please note: this is archived course information from 2016 for PHIL 701.

Description

Philosophy for Children is an internationally practiced educational programme that brings together critical thinking, dialogue about meaningful questions and the fostering of community. International research has demonstrated the power of this programme in all of these areas for school students from 5 – 18 years old.

The central pedagogical tool is the “Community of Inquiry” in which students pose their own questions in response to a philosophically rich stimulus, and then work collaboratively to explore the question, and to propose, elaborate and evaluate a range of answers to it.  Reflection on process and content is an integral part of the endeavour. The task of the facilitator is to assist and extend the thinking in the community, without leading the group to any pre-determined conclusion, and to encourage collaboration, and a caring and respectful attitude to fellow inquirers. A wide range of high order thinking skills are developed through this programme. School students find the process exciting, engaging and empowering, and also great fun.

In this course you will learn the skills of facilitating philosophical inquiry with children, and engage in numerous communities of inquiry yourself. You will become familiar with a range of stimulus and support materials, and learn how to construct these for a stimulus of you choice (such as a picture book, news story or film clip). You will be supported in your preparation for practice in your classroom.

The links between Philosophy for Children and the educational philosophy of Dewey and Vygotsky will be explored, and the international empirical research reviewed. Links with the New Zealand Curriculum, especially the principles, values and key competencies, will be investigated.

Additionally, you will meet and work with upper undergraduate students in Philosophy, who will be undertaking the practical part of this course for PHIL 301.

The teaching team

Dr Vanya Kovach, Philosophy, School of Humanities, Faculty of Arts. Experienced Philosophy for Children Teacher Educator, certified by the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations.

Dr Kirsten Locke, School of Critical Studies in Education, Faculty of Education and Social Work. Philosopher of Education.

The timetabling for the class is Mondays 5-8pm (though not all of these contact hours will be used).

This course can be combined with another 30 point postgraduate Education course for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. EDUC 703: Educational Philosophy is a recommended companion for PHIL 701. It can be part of a Master of Education or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, or taken on its own for a Certificate of Proficiency.

Availability 2016

Not taught in 2016

Lecturer(s)

Coordinator(s) Dr Vanya Kovach

Assessment

  • Creation of two sets of classroom resources, with supporting essay of 3000 words - 35%
  • Assessment via video of philosophical community of inquiry facilitated in classroom, with critical reflection - 15%
  • Final essay of 3000-4000 words - 50%

Points

PHIL 701: 30 points

Prerequisites

Diploma in Teaching (Primary or Secondary), or equivalent

Restrictions

PHIL 301