This 40 hour course can be taken 'on site' in units of 5 intensive days, or in 10 twilight classes with students' self study, or through a series of in-service days.
Rationale
This course has been developed to provide training in the theory and practice of general Community of Enquiry Methodology for those involved in working with groups of children, teenagers and adults in education, business, or in the community. The course is aimed at teachers, tutors and group leaders from all professions and aims to provide insights into the nature of The Community of Enquiry as well as training participants in the appropriate skills and strategies to develop communities with their own groups.
Duration
The course consists of approximately 40 hours learning, including 20 hours tutorial contact and 20 hours of research. The certificate can be taken either in a 5-day intensive residential course held in August at Strathclyde University, or on-site in schools, businesses or other institutions over 3 in-service days / 5 in-service half days / 10 twilight sessions.
A 5 intensive day on-site residential course is also possible.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
- Show an understanding of the principles of Community of Enquiry Methodology
- Demonstrate competence in the practise of Community of Enquiry Methodology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how the Community of Enquiry Methodology develops the thinking of participants.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how the Community of Enquiry Methodology develops the social competence of participants.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Introductory logic.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between cultural activities and Communities of Enquiry.
Course Content and Methods of Delivery
There are four elements to Option 1:
1. Theory and Practice (12 hours)
This element is taught by lecture and practical seminar. Participants are trained in the practice of Lipman's Philosophy for Children, learn about critical thinking theory and its relation to P4C, and are guided in the use of the SAPERE handbook for P4C practitioners.
2. Language, Reason and Computation (6 hours)
This element is taught by lecture and workbook. The course includes introductory logic, argumentation theory and fallacies.
3. The Philosophy Community of Enquiry Methodology (2 hours)
This element is taught by lecture. The course outlines the philosophical underpinnings of The Community of Enquiry Methodology.
4. Cultural Enrichment (20 hours)
This is a research element, where students carry out individual and group research into the diversity of cultural life in Scotland . Students attend art galleries, museums, concerts, and other cultural events.
Assessment
Participants will be assessed by:
- Their practise of Facilitating Philosophy for Children.
- One 800-word paper on Community of Enquiry Methodology.
- The completion of exercises that demonstrate their mastery of introductory logic and argumentation.
- One 600-word review of a cultural event and its significance within society.
Quality Assurance
The Certificate is quality assured by the Centre for Lifelong Learning. All teaching and assessment materials are available for inspection by the Centre.
Teaching Personnel
Catherine C. McCall BA Hons MA TEFL MSc PhD FRSA
The Community of Enquiry Methodology course will be taught by Dr. Catherine McCall. Dr. McCall introduced the Community of Enquiry Methodology, Lipman's Philosophy for Children programme, Nelson's Socratic Method and Philosophical Inquiry [CoPI] to the UK in 1989. In 1990 the BBC documentary 'Socrates for Six year olds' featured Dr. McCall's pioneering work in the USA and was the inspiration for many of today's Philosophy for children practitioners. In 1991 she created new postgraduate M.Phil. and PhD. degree courses in Philosophical Inquiry at the University of Glasgow . As well as working as a Consultant with business and NHS Health Trusts, Dr. McCall currently trains UK Philosophy for Children teacher-trainers (who themselves go on to train teachers) and runs her own adult Philosophical Inquiry groups at Strathclyde University.
Fees
£650 per person for individual registrations.
The fee covers: administration, tuition, course materials, marking of students' work.
Contact
Dr. Catherine McCall
email: c.mccall@strath.ac.uk