Engaging students in Philosophical Inquiry (PI) helps build collaborative, flexible, independent thinkers with the capacity to innovate and solve problems. These skills will equip them to live and work successfully and more confidently with others. As life's big questions are explored, respect and reason are developed and practised. By pondering prevailing beliefs, exploring possible alternatives and giving and accepting reasons, students learn to be reflective, sensitive to meaning, divergent and reasonable.

Content

This series of 4 short courses aim to consolidate and extend the learnings from the Introductory Course, and enhance teachers' ability to effectively implement PI in their classroom. Each session will focus on a different area:

Session 1: Spotlight on Reasoning

Clarify and consolidate your understanding of logic and reasoning skills, including necessary and sufficient conditions, categorical syllogisms, distinctions, and analogies.

Date: Thursday 13 Feb 2025, 3:30 - 5:30pm

Session 2: Spotlight on Managing the Discussion

Gain practical strategies for effectively managing the discussion. Unpack how to overcome common challenges, such as encouraging reluctant speakers, managing dominant ones, and getting greater depth in discussions.

Date: Thursday 1 May 2025, 3:30 - 5:30pm

Session 3: Spotlight on Epistemology

Deepen your knowledge of this branch of Philosophy as you engage in a C.o.I about belief and knowledge. Explore ways to introduce Philosophical theory into discussions with your students, and gain a better understanding of Epistemology in general.

Date: Thursday 8 August 2024, 3:30 - 5:30pm

Session 4: Spotlight on Concepts & Questions

Refine your skills in carrying out concept development activities and explore a variety of ways to elicit good questions and formulate criteria from student contributions.

Date: Thursday 17 October 2024, 3:30 - 5:30pm

Prerequisite

Previous completion of a two-day Philosophical Inquiry course, with at least 4 weeks of teaching PI in the classroom. Contact pi@hillbrook.qld.edu.au if you have any queries.

These courses are for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teachers.

Cost: $165 inc GST per session

$594 inc GST for all 4 sessions