Philosophical Discussion Club for Middle Schoolers!
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
*Important: Due to the discussion-based and interactive nature of the class, cameras are required to be kept on for the duration of class. Thank you! :) The Philosophical Discussion Club for Middle Schoolers is both a teacher and learner-led discussion-based class. It is ongoing club for middle schoolers with little to no background in philosophy to come together and join in relaxed but loosely guided philosophical conversations with their peers. Each week, I will start by introducing some topic choices and/or philosophical questions. Learners will be encouraged to explore what direction the conversation takes them in. I will help by providing prompts, guidance, moderation, and but also sharing relevant vocabulary, concepts, and/or theories when applicable. *This class is both teacher and learner-directed. Therefore, topic choices will come from both the teacher and students as we explore the academic discipline of philosophy together.* NEXT: * All topics are tied to different branches and elements within the academic discipline of philosophy. 9/20: Generative AI Programs 9/27: Technological Innovations 10/4: Observations of Nature and Animals 10/11: Animals, Nature, Metaphor, and Stories 10/18: Finding Good from Struggles 10/25: Reflections on Animal Natures 11/1: "Magic," Science, and Technology 11/9: Science Fiction Reflections: Time 11/15: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios 11/22: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios (Continued) 11/29: No Class (Thanksgiving Holiday) 12/6: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life Drop in any time! :) Prior knowledge of philosophy is not required and advanced students may benefit more from 1:1 tutoring or my more formal academic series course.
Learning Goals
This club is meant to be a relaxed and informal meet-up for high schoolers interested in engaging in philosophical discussions with others and/or exploring philosophical concepts.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class will allow for open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas from the learners, but in a moderated way. I will keep students on task and ensure that discussions are kept academically appropriate, relevant, and in line with Outschool's policies.
Supply List
Optional: For some learners, it can help when trying to think deeply, creatively, and/or focusing to draw, create, or even use a fidget toy, so please have your learner feel free to bring materials to draw/doodle, create/mold (i.e. clay/playdough), or even fidget with while chatting! It is very welcome and can help many individuals with brainstorming, imagination, and overall focus!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I am a former university instructor that specialized in making introductory courses fun, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. I have over 16 years of experience teaching at the college level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to focus on homeschooling my son full-time. In addition, I have over 7 years teaching philosophy courses to kids, ages 6-16. I volunteered at both a local public high school as well as a private school alongside performing my teaching duties at the university.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 9 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-6 learners per class