Background
The University of Aberdeen will host a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event, for primary and secondary educators on Philosophy with Children on the King’s College Campus. The course provides professional development in facilitating group discussion on philosophical topics (Philosophical Inquiry) as a method for developing pupil skills at the core of the Curriculum for Excellence.
These include applying critical thinking in new contexts, thinking creatively to solve problems, understanding different beliefs and learning to participate responsibly in a community of inquiry. Research indicates that pupils engaged in collaborative group discussion on philosophical questions benefit from:
• Increased self-confidence
• Better numeracy and literacy skills
• Greater ability to think creatively and critically about complex matters
• Greater ability to understand, recognize and respect alternative reasonable viewpoints.
• Improved social behaviour, participation and concentration.
Participants will receive a CPD Certificate upon completion of the course, gaining 4.5 hours of CPD.
Comments from Participants
"Philosophy for Children is a pedagogy that, when used creatively and in collaboration with children, develops their ability to make connections and think critically, to solve problems and learn in a creative and constructive way, and gives them ownership of their learning. It also allows teachers to see children as real learners and helps them facilitate rather than drive learning."
Jane Craik, Head Teacher, Tullynessle Primary School, Aberdeenshire
• ‘I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to have a go.’
• ‘Outstanding in service training day. Good opportunity to meet with other teachers and discuss how they’re using philosophy in school.’
• ‘Really enjoyed this CPD – rare that I feel I get much from courses that I don’t already know, but now I feel excited about the prospect of finding out more and working with my class. Thank you!’
Course Aims
This CPD event will cover all the essential aspects of Philosophy with Children including:
• Understanding Philosophy with Children, its aims and benefits
• How to run a Philosophy Inquiry with children
• How Philosophy with Children integrates with the Scottish Curriculum
Programme
09.00 – 09.30 Registration and coffee
09.30 – 10.15 Inquiry 1
10.15 – 10.30 Review of Inquiry 1
10.30 – 11.00 What Is Philosophy with Children?
11.00 – 11.15 Break
11.15 – 12.30 How to Run a PwC session
12.30 – 13.15 Lunch
13.15 – 14.00 Inquiry 2
14.00 – 14.15 Review of Inquiry 2
14.15 – 15.00 Philosophy and Curriculum for Excellence; Troubleshooting
15.00 Close
Would you like more information?
If you would like further information, please contact: CPD Services, Research and Innovation, University of Aberdeen, Room 28 University Office, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX. Tel: 01224 272484. Email: cpdservices@abdn.ac.uk.