Course structure:
The summer course comprises an introductory session and five content modules delivered over a three-week period.
There will be two live tutor-led interactive workshops each week, as well as a number of engaging asynchronous tasks that you complete in your own time.
We anticipate that most live sessions will be held at around 1pm UK time, but we will also take into account the various time zones of participants and deliver the live workshops at times that are convenient for the majority of participants.
The asynchronous part of your course will allow you and your fellow participants to extend the learning from the live sessions. Typically, this will include follow up quizzes, extra readings and materials. You will also benefit from opportunities to discuss aspects of each session with your peers in pairs and in small groups, allowing you to reflect on how you might tailor the content of each session to your own teaching context.
We expect you to devote at least 5 hours each week to your course. Outside the scheduled live sessions, you can study at times that are most convenient for you.
Class sizes are kept small to maximise opportunities for interaction.
Workshops:
During your two weekly live workshops, you will be expected to participate actively in discussions and exchanges with your tutor and fellow participants. You will be encouraged to continue your discussions through additional online interaction throughout your course.
The first day of your course will begin with an introductory session to introduce you to the structure, expectations, and goals of an Oxford Teachers' Academy course. You then follow a series of five modules over three weeks.
Module 1: Introduction to teaching thinking to children
- Identifying key questions to be answered regarding the development of thinking skills in the primary classroom
- Looking at aspects of reflective practice and their role in developing thinking skills
Module 2: Obstacles and general solutions in developing thinking skills
- Considering main obstacles in children’s ability to think
- Exploring our own teacher beliefs and attitudes and how these affect children’s ability to think
- Identifying a number of key strategies, techniques and solutions to promote thinking
Module 3: Creative thinking
- Identifying some basic conditions for developing creative thinking
- Exploring the main characteristics of creative thinking skill through practical examples
- Analysing course material and adding a creative twist to them in order to promote creativity
- Reflecting on the creative aspect of this process
Module 4: Critical thinking and problem solving
- Looking at the role of emotional intelligence in developing critical thinking skills and problem solving
- Consider ways of promoting curiosity and giving students space to discover things around the world, through simple problem-solving tasks
- Analysing and adapting course material to promote critical thinking skills
- Reflecting on the problem-solving aspect of this process
Module 5: Philosophy for children
- Identifying what philosophy for children means and looking at the need to promote thinking through philosophy
- Teaching philosophy to children through stories and discussions
- Analysing and adapting course material to help children become more thoughtful, considerate and reasonable individuals