Module: EDU4102-20 Philosophical Enquiry and Education

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Darren Garside

Module Tutor Contact Details: D.Garside@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In this module you will learn to think deeply and critically about educational issues in a safe and supportive community of enquiry that values creativity, collaboration, caring and critical thinking. You will enquire into a range of educational concepts such as ‘thinking’ and ‘learning’ and gain knowledge and understanding of thinking programmes that are found in schools in the UK and around the world. You will learn to use the process of enquiry to research into you as a learner and will learn to communicate your academic understanding through a variety of methods.

2.Outline syllabus

Key themes:

● Understand the role of discrete programmes in context of UK curriculum planning, schools and global networks of practice

● Reflect on and evaluate self as learner in Philosophy for/with Children (P4C/PwC), Community of Philosophical Inquiry, and Socratic Dialogue inquiries

● Examine and analyse value positions underlying different approaches to teaching thinking skills

● Examine and analyse models of thinking and learning, specifically philosophical thinking, and ‘learning to learn

● Examine models of assessment within and of programmes; examine and analyse dialogue and facilitative communication

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module draws on the specific practice of Philosophy for Children. This pedagogy emphasises thinking in the round with face-to-face participation facilitated by the lecturer and evolving over time. Academic literature is used to help reflect upon, analyse and evaluate the educational experiences generated in the pedagogical approach. It is an approach that is best understood by doing rather than describing. The weekly four hours contact time will be delivered jointly with Dept of RPE in CoLA. TL1: 2x hour seminar on educational theory / history of philosophy TL2: 2x hour seminar practical inquiry.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Individual seminar report (2,000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%