Method of Delivery
The chosen framework for Philosophical discussion is known as the Community of Enquiry in which certain rules are followed by the teacher and the children.
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There is absolute equality in the group.
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The teacher guides the discussion via his/her role as co-enquirer.
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Only one person speaks at a time.
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The agenda belongs to the children
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All ideas and opinions are respected and given equal value.
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Listening is as important as thinking.
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The Role of the Teacher as Facilitator
The role of the facilitator in the Community of Enquiry is, in many ways, akin to that of a conductor, coordinating and enhancing the performance by:
being vigorous at one moment, but restrained at another.
showing a willingness to guide the children in their exploration of unexpected alleyways of thought, following the enquiry wherever it may lead and not being directive.
making sure that the children are listening to each other and that everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
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ensuring that important themes are given appropriate treatment; and as the discussion proceeds, helping to underscore important developments and marking significant junctures.
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leading children through their thoughts again if contradictions or confusions are evident.
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being unafraid when there are moments of silence. Everybody needs time to think. Children will eventually take responsibility for this silence.
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avoiding conducting discussion as the philosophical expert or the subject authority to whom the children turn in order to settle some difference of opinion. The facilitator should be wary of expressing their own views- if at all -they should have no special weight.
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“Never give the impression you know more than they do, even if you think you do.” (Karin Murris - Teaching Philosophy with Picture Books.)
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remembering the children’s contributions
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maintaining open mindedness.
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enjoying the children’s adventure!
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How It’s Done
In all sessions, participants sit in a circle. Everyone can see each other and learn to respond to what each other says. Before each session begins, children are reminded of the ‘rules’.
The children learn about the democracy of the circle and that the adults and children have the same value in what they say within that circle.
The sessions take place as follows:
Session 1:
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Video is watched or book is read to children.
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Thinking time of about 1 or 2 minutes is given.
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Children allowed time to jot down ideas if they so wish (words or pictures).
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In pairs, children share ideas of things which have puzzled them in the story.
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Teacher writes questions/ideas on flip chart with acknowledgements next to all comments.
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Connections between questions/ideas are made if necessary.
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Session 2:
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Book read or video watched.
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Children reminded of questions asked and comments made and who said them.
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Questions to be addressed chosen (It is useful to number questions and vote)
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Children who posed question invited to start dialogue.
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Encourage children to use a signal, such as holding hands together on lap and making tower out of fore fingers, if they want to say something.
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