Philosophical Inquiry: Facilitating thinking in the classroom

Overview

Aristotle argued that what sets people apart from other living things is their capacity to think and acquire wisdom. He argued that we are the most human when we think, and we are best when we think well, and attain wisdom. A feature of Australia's new national curriculum is the inclusion of cross-curricular capabilities considered necessary to prepare students for living and working successfully in the twenty-first century. An eminently suitable way of doing this is through the teaching of philosophy.

Philosophical Inquiry: Facilitating thinking in the classroom (PDF file, 229.29 KB)

Who should participate

This module is suitable for registered teachers with access to a classroom.

Delivery
Where:

Room A330, Block A
Queensland University of Technology
Kelvin Grove Campus

When:

Attendance at all three Saturday sessions in April/May or August/September is required. Each session commences at 9 am and concludes at 4 pm.

Choose between:

  • 21 April
  • 12 May
  • 26 May

or

  • 18 August
  • 1 September
  • 15 September
Cost
  • $770 (inc GST) course costs
  • $176 (inc GST) optional assessment (credit into the Master of Education)
  • $44 (inc GST) + postage.  The full, two hour DVD showing elementary students participating in philosophical communities of inquiry.

Payment is made online via QUTPay. Further information will be provided upon registration. Contact us for more information.

Credit eligibility

Eligible for credit/admission

Satisfactory completion of this module can be used as 12 credit points towards a higher degree (Graduate Certificate of Education or Master of Education).

Contact

For further information, contact Lynne Hinton.


Details

Content

Topics covered include:

  • an overview of the discipline of philosophy, the history of philosophy in schools and why it is an important part of educational practice
  • development of knowledge and skills needed by teachers to introduce philosophy in their classrooms.

Presenter

  • Lynne Hinton, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Education, QUT.

Course materials

It is expected that these resources will be purchased by participants:

  • Cam, P., et al. (2007). 'Philosophy with Young Children: a Classroom Handbook'. ACT: Australian Curriculum Studies Association.
  • DVD Philosophy Inquiry: Facilitating thinking in the classroom.