The University of Aberdeen Philosophy Department organises a number of outreach projects. These initiatives adopt a collaborative approach to bring the benefits of philosophical inquiry to broader audiences.
Please contact Dr Federico Luzzi with any queries about our Outreach programme initiatives.
Aberdeen Philosophy Education Group (APEG)
The Aberdeen Philosophy in Education Group (APEG) trains volunteer Aberdeen Philosophy students to facilitate philosophical discussions in primary and secondary school classrooms. It is the only programme of its kind in Scotland.
Research indicates that pupils who take part in group discussion of philosophical questions improve their reasoning and listening skills and self-confidence. (See e.g. here, here, and here.)
Since launching in October 2014, over 70 Aberdeen Philosophy students have undergone APEG's 8-week training, and around 300 school pupils have been reached by this programme.
Testimonials
APEG has been one of if not the most satisfying and enriching experiences of my University education. Through APEG we are promoting critical thinking and reasoning in young people and transforming university students into confident public speakers.
–– Tom Flint, UoA Philosophy student & APEG Facilitator.
I think APEG is a great idea to get students engaged with philosophy in a different way than the usual philosophy degree would. It has allowed me to feel much more involved in the philosophy department as well as with students from other years of study who I otherwise wouldn't have met.
–– Miriam Harrold, UoA Philosophy student & APEG Facilitator.
I am really happy to have the opportunity to work with APEG and to be able to present philosophy to a younger generation who would otherwise not have the chance to experience it first hand until an advanced stage of learning.
–– Paul Ferrier, UoA Philosophy student & APEG Facilitator.
Having philosophy students coming in has been a fantastic experience for the students at Robert Gordon's College. They have had their assumptions revealed and challenged through stimulating thought problems, Socratic questioning and vigorous discussion. I hope this programme will continue as it is mutually beneficial to both the RGC students and those who come to teach them.
–– Kenneth Primrose, Head of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies, Robert Gordon's College.
Philosophy with Children CPD-accredited teacher training course
Aberdeen Philosophy also runs the established Philosophy with Children CPD (Continuing Professional Development) teacher training course. Led by Dr Federico Luzzi, this initiative is designed for primary and secondary school teachers interested in understanding how philosophical questions can be usefully integrated in their teaching curriculum. This 1-day course has trained over 100 teachers since its launch in November 2012.
More information can be found here.
For further details and booking, contact cpdservices@abdn.ac.uk.
Feedback from teachers who took this course:
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Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Relevant with practical advice and guidelines that can be taken back to school and implemented.
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A thoroughly enjoyable and productive in-service, great to be surrounded by positivity.
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| I thought the whole day was incredibly informative and helpful and can see this really working well with my class. I feel that this approach will hugely benefit them across the curriculum |
Thank you for a most informative and practical CPD. A session that inspired and sparked thoughts - very keen to start using and enabling children to be thinkers!
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Outstanding in-service day.
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Thought it was fantastic!
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I found the entire structure to be very useful and easy to follow. It was well thought out and delivered.
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The course was very practical and equipped us with real strategies to use in the classroom.
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Very interesting course. It's the first I have thoroughly enjoyed in a long time. Didn't look at my watch once - thank you.
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Great CPD event, well worth the money, lots of ideas to take back to the school.
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