philosophy for/with children (p4wc) and primary education: through the lens of a pre-service teacher reflecting on their practice

Abstract

Philosophy for/with Children (P4wC) is used widely as a pedagogical approach in schools. However, it can also be used beyond schools and is increasingly being utilised in university based pre-service teacher education. This article shares reflections from pre-service teacher educators using P4wC in their institution in the south of England both to encourage critical reflection upon education itself, and also as a practice to share with pre-service teachers in the hopes that they may carry it forward as a pedagogical approach in their own future classrooms. These pre-service teacher educators share and reflect upon a case study provided by one of their students, a pre-service teacher in their final year of an undergraduate degree in primary education at the university. Within this case study, the pre-service teacher shares a critical discussion about their research exploring literature surrounding P4wC and reflects upon their early exploration of this approach within a primary school classroom. The pre-service teacher concludes their case-study with a recognition of some challenges but also with a commitment to continuing to engage with P4wC moving forward in their career. The pre-service educators conclude the article by reflecting upon their student’s experiences, the impact using P4wC had upon that pre-service teacher and the value of embedding P4wC in pre-service teacher education.