In preparation for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year, Wuxi United International School (WUIS) Kindergarten and Primary and Secondary teachers welcomed Philosophy for Children (P4C) expert Roger Sutcliffe to lead a two-day P4C Level 2A Training Seminar. Sponsored by Dialogue Works, twenty-five teachers attended the training, in which teachers built in inquiry via caring, critical thinking, creative thinking, and collaboration. It is in this that teachers learned / developed the skill to facilitate skills by playing with ideas. Teachers will apply what they achieved in the training to the classroom, thus enabling the students to become better overall thinkers within their respective lives.
As noted, P4C is shorthand for Philosophy for Children. This is a unique approach to teaching and learning. It is a recognized, worldwide movement and practices. Founded by Professor Matthew Lipman, there are 10 steps within P4C Inquiry: Warm-Up, Presentation, First Thoughts, Formulation, Question Airing, Selection, Thoughts, Building, Last Words, and Review & Evaluation. These all are applied in class to help facilitate student development per their skill in critical thinking, creative thinking, caring, and collaboration.
Since 2013, WUIS has offered P4C classes for its primary school students. Since 2014, Chinese teachers have been responsible for the implementation of P4C content / material. The course is conducted via the Chinese language; indeed, it is without the restriction of a second language that allows the students to flourish in their studies.
WUIS faculty and staff and administration believe that children are not born with an innate ability to think critically, and thus it must be guided and simulated. Master the skill of critical / creative thinking may help children obtain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is in this that they may establish and maintain a harmonious relationship with the people and things within the world.
