Module 3- Philosophical Foundations of Teaching and Learning

Overall I really enjoyed this module of the course. I thought it offered another set of fresh ideas for us to discuss and ways to look at our classrooms to change not only how we teach but how we think about teaching and learning. I think the creative aspects relate to us as interpreters of our contexts. I think that for innovation, we are not necessarily innovating but incorporating aspects of thinking and understanding that were not necessarily present before in our relationships with our vocations.

I enjoyed reading everyone's posts and how refreshing the idea of a mindful classroom is, especially given the overwhelming aspects that come with teaching. As for learning, I was happy to see that much of what I felt about learning, included in my definition was included in the articles which I read for the module.

I believe that, while it was challenged in the 19th and 20th centuries respectively, most of our thinking delineates from methodologies created by Plato, Aristotle and Early Christian philosophers. So to see their thinking brought back into the fold, especially in the realm of education was really edifying for me. I enjoyed this module very much and I look forward to reading the blogs on my peers.

How do you think this methodology would be approached and implanted in predominantly Buddhist nations where this worldview is already implicit?

Would it be beneficial to include specified contemplation/ meditation time during the school day? Would this help cultivate the classroom you are seeking?

What is the best way to stay informed and help value oriented scholarship reach the mainstream?

What in your opinion are the main differences between historical and philosophical mindedness?

How can philosophy be differentiated from 'just another class' to a way of life? Why is it that philosophy students do not come away with that perspective?

Have you seen a shift in the intellectual quality of your students since publishing this article? Does it become easier or more difficult with the shift of administration in the United States?

Do you believe that our definition of education has moved forward or backward since the writing of this article?

What do you think of the increased numbers of post-secondary education enrolment, debt and its seeming necessity?