Teacher Training & PD
We offer several opportunities for teachers and schools to learn why and how to engage students in Philosophical Inquiry (PI). Our training courses are suitable for teachers of students from kindergarten to senior secondary.
Philosophical Inquiry: Introductory Training
The introductory course enables teachers to begin their PI journey with their students.
This two-day course is offered frequently throughout the year at Hillbrook School in Brisbane. It can also be delivered at your school. Completion of the course provides eligibility to purchase access to the Philosophy Matters full curriculum for Years 7 – 10.
Upcoming Introductory Courses:
If you want to be put on a waiting list for future courses, or would like us to run the training at your school, contact us here.
Philosophical Inquiry: Advanced Practice
The Advanced Practice course provides a greater understanding of how and why PI works, how to improve your own practice, and how to put effective curriculum together.
This three-day course is offered at Hillbrook School once a year, depending on demand.
Participants need to have previously completed a two-day Introductory Course at Hillbrook (or elsewhere), and have been teaching PI for at least six months.
Upcoming 3-day Advanced Course:
- 15 – 17 May 2024
- 9 – 11 October 2024. Contact us to register your interest.
Philosophical Inquiry: Spotlight Series
Four short courses to enhance your practice.
Each course aims to consolidate and extend the learnings from the Introductory Course, and enhance teachers’ ability to effectively implement PI in their classroom.
Each session will focus on a different area:
Session 1: Spotlight on Reasoning
Clarify and consolidate your understanding of logic and reasoning skills, including necessary and sufficient conditions, categorical syllogisms, distinctions, and analogies.
Session 2: Spotlight on Managing the Discussion
Gain practical strategies for effectively managing the discussion. Unpack how to overcome common challenges, such as encouraging reluctant speakers, managing dominant ones, and getting greater depth in discussions.
Session 3: Spotlight on Epistemology
Deepen your knowledge of this branch of Philosophy as you engage in a C.o.I about belief and knowledge. Explore ways to introduce Philosophical theory into discussions with your students, and gain a better understanding of Epistemology in general.
Session 4: Spotlight on Concepts & Questions
Refine your skills in carrying out concept development activities and explore a variety of ways to elicit good questions and formulate criteria from student contributions.
Upcoming Courses:
- 2 May – Session 1
- 6 June – Session 2
- 8 August – Session 3
- 17 October – Session 4
If you want to be put on a waiting list for future courses, or would like us to run the training at your school, contact us here.
For school groups:
If your school is located a significant distance from Brisbane, or you have 9 or more participants hoping to attend our training, it may be more cost-effective for our trainers to visit you – please contact us for more information and pricing.
We also offer a mentoring and teacher coaching service, where we come to your school to observe sessions, provide feedback, help with curriculum development, and anything else you may need.
For more information please contact us.
