Philosophy for Children Teacher Training Model

Abstract

Introduction:  Beginning in 1988, I tried an approach to teacher-training in Philosophy for Children which, though labor-intensive, was very rewarding.  It involved: (1) a one-semester course in Philosophy for Children prior to program implementation, (2) twelve to fifteen visits to each classroom during the implementation year to conduct demonstration lessons and observe teacher performance, and (3) a journal and commentary on classroom visits, which was shared on a regular basis with the teachers.  The scope of the project was partly what made it so "labor-intensive."  It included eleven teachers at six schools and nearly 250 children.