Teaching as Philosophical Practice: From Philosophy for Children to Philosophy for Teachers

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 12

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

Many teachers facilitating Philosophy for Children(P4C) find it difficult to raise thought-provoking questions to promote students’ dialogue in the “community of inquiry”, due to lack of philosophical background and opportunities to engage with philosophical questions. The research reported in this panel develops the notion of Philosophy for Teachers ( P4T) by investigating the following questions: what is a meaningful and effective philosophy program for prospective and in-service teachers? What are the living experience of these teachers while learning philosophy? Is the knowledge of core philosophical texts essential for teachers doing P4C or engaging philosophical issues in their curriculum areas? Can we improve teachers’ competence of philosophical thinking by borrowing elements of P4C?

Sub Unit

• SIG-Philosophical Studies in Education

Chair

• Leonard J. Waks, Hongzhou Normal University

Papers

• Philosophy for/With Children for/With Teachers - Megan J. Laverty, Teachers College, Columbia University

• The Challenges of Philosophy for Children (P4C) and the Need of Philosophy for Teachers (P4T) - Jessica Wang

• A Philosophy for Teachers Program Based on Philosophy for Children - Leonard J. Waks, Hongzhou Normal University

• Philosophy for Children: Teacher Knowledge and Teacher Development - Zhenyu Gao, Hangzhou Normal University

Discussant

• Shaofei Han, Louisiana State University