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Philosopher in Residence
Philosopher in Residence
Start date: Oct 1, 2016,
End date: Sep 30, 2018
PROJECT
FINISHED
1) Project BackgroundEducation 2030 is UNESCO’s new challenge, which is to engage in dialogue on the new visions of future learning in the 21st century. The aim is to provide inclusive education of an equally high standard for all. At a time of immigration Europe is undergoing cultural changes. It is therefore important to strive for or rather promote cultural differences, active cooperation, the pursuit of common goals, the individual’s inner stability and the growth of humanity by means of dialogue in a safe environment.2) Project Goalsa) Methodology developmentb) Development of a training module for the training “Philosopher in Residence” (PiR) c) Implementation and evaluation of the training based on pilot testing in primary school classesd) Provision of support for teachers in developing a research community in the class3) Number and Profile of Participantsa) 30 graduates of philosophy, primary school pedagogy who will be employed as PiR in the classroomb) 30 teachers who are interested in discussing philosophical topics with the children in class, once the research community has been established by the PiRc) 3000 school children who, with the help of PiR, have the opportunity to verbalise their own thoughts and opinions, argue opinions, correct themselves/ their own opinions, and appreciate different perspectives in the role of natural philosophersd) The stakeholders in Austria, Germany and Italy consider the employment of PiR as an opportunity in a multicultural society to enable democratic coexistence and as a consequence to avoid discrimination and counteract radicalisation through dialogue as a prerequisitee) The University of Regensburg/Pedagogy- Primary School Pedagogy and the INFOMEDIA Vocational Training Agency in Ferrara see the possibility to show their students new areas of application and to offer them further training and education in this field.4) Description of ActivitiesProject output (IO):IO1) Methodology and training modules for “Philosopher in Residence”Activities (A):A1) Development of methodology and training modulesA2) Carry out training (IST)A3) Pilot testing in primary school (a 10 week pilot phase of 1 hour per week is planned, with approx. 100 pupils per school)A4) EvaluationLearning/Teaching and Training Activity (LTT)LTT1) Dr. Thomas Jackson, University of Hawai’i Uehiro will conduct a 5 day workshop with the project partners in Vienna.5) Procedure for Implementation of the ProjectThe 6 project partners will develop methods and training modules together based on international research and LTT1.The University and INFOMEDIA will contribute their expertise for further training.The schools will act as “critical friends”.Training will be carried out after the development of training modules.After training the methods will be applied at pilot schools in a 10 week project.There will be an evaluation (survey) by the participating teachers and pupils directly following the project.6) Desired Results and EffectsThe main aim of the project is the development of modules to train PiR. On the one hand, with the help of mobile PiR, primary school children should be given the opportunity, within the framework of the project, to discuss philosophical topics in a research community, to learn the art of philosophical enquiry, to articulate ideas, express opinions and debate. As a further target group the teachers should get to know the possibilities and use of PiR. The PiR helps to form a research community in which everyone feels safe to express their opinions and develops with the teacher ways to apply the method to specific topics in the curriculum / syllabus / lesson plan. In the long term it is expected that PiR can be employed throughout Vienna and the district of Regensburg and by INFOMEDIA. This in turn requires continuous training.7) Expected Long Term BenefitThe benefit of the project should target these requirements. That is to encourage children as early as possible to examine their own (cultural) identity and way of thinking and at the same time summon up respect and understanding for others. Seen in the long term, pupils should be encouraged to think for themselves, assess situations objectively, make decisions, be fair, preserve peace and humanity in our society, develop a love of nature and participate actively in the further development of a common Europe through the process of constructive discussion.