★★★「中学生Honors English Class  TOK (Theory of Knowledge)」の授業風景★★★

Owing to its huge success, the Theory of Knowledge course at Kaetsu has been expanded this year to include classes in junior grades 1 to 3. The purpose of the new junior course is to give students the chance to think and discuss philosophical ideas by themselves in a supportive, non-judgmental environment where they can develop their own solutions to complex and interesting problems.

Examples of the topics we have studied so far have been…

1. Fairness – What is the best method of solving disagreements within a group (Agreement, Lottery, Voting, or a Leader’s decision) ?

2. Identity and Change – If all the parts of a ship are replaced during a voyage, does it remain the same ship as when it first set sail? If so, what makes it the same?

3. Minds and Brains – Where am I? Am I my brain or am I my body? Am I something else?

Research has shown that regular philosophical discussion increases children’s problem-solving skills, reasoning skills, and most importantly, confidence (East Renfreshire Psychological Services, 2006; Dundee University, 2007). Junior TOK classes at Kaetsu are designed to promote exactly these skills; through students exploring their ideas, making mistakes as they do so, and then recognizing that mistakes have been made. It is my belief that students gain far more from classes like this that ones where they are led to expect that the teacher has the ‘right answer’ and where the purpose of the class is simply finding out what that ‘right’ answer is.

In short, we are sure that TOK is a very beneficial part of returnee education at Kaetsu, and look forward to developing the course further over the next few years. We invite you to come and try this unique class for yourself at the school’s upcoming open day (June 30^th 2012). Below you can see some pictures from the last one that we had.