In the period from 16-17, March 2023, the second training module “Philosophy for Children – P4C” was held for teachers in Sarajevo Canton. The participants realized philosophical questions in their own classrooms, and the second module began with a reflection on the acquired experience.
Considering that the presentation of the teaching material was done according to a new teaching method, the students initially felt apprehensive and insecure. Thus, one of the participants of the P4C training points out: “After two or three philosophical questions, the question “Teacher, is this for evaluation?” followed. That told me more about our education system. I was more skilled at the second questioning, so the children were also much more open. We also announced on the school’s Facebook page that we are working in a new way, and then the parents commented: Well done, it’s an honor that there are classes like this. The child came home happy.”
The second reflection also highlighted the positive sides and limitations of applying the critical reflection method. The teacher explains: “I did two questionings. The difference between the two classes is: one is staffed by a teacher who mostly uses the frontal teaching method, while the other class is staffed by a teacher whose classroom is generally always “alive”. I get into a situation where the questioning in that class is phenomenal, so many questions, answers,
involvement; while in the second grade the children sit scared, asking if they can express their opinion. They were kind of withdrawing into themselves, which was alarming to me. First, as a facilitator, I did not feel comfortable because I see fear from the children’s side. I tell them: relax, let’s talk, say your opinion”.
Fortunately, teachers are faced with a lot of philosophical questioning and encouragement of critical thinking in students. The application of this method in primary school education gives hope that students will get rid of the fear of expressing their opinions and that they will critically question the phenomena that surround them.
Through this module, the training participants philosophically questioned the topic of gender inequality. Some of the questions were: is gender inequality a part of injustice, why does a woman in the 21st century accept that she is in a subordinate position, can gender equality be achieved in a patriarchal society, etc.
The second day of training is devoted to philosophical questioning with stimuli selected by the participants. Some of the questions were the departure of educated young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the influence of the Internet and social networks, what are the true values today, etc.
The training trainers are certified SAPERE BH trainers: prof. Ph.D. Zilka Spahić Šiljak, M.Sc. Sežida Hadžić, M.Sc. Elmana Cerić, M.Sc. Dragan Koprivica. Education “Philosophy for children – P4C” is implemented by TPO Foundation Sarajevo.
