WELCOME! Join me for an adventure in learning ✨️

💡 Welcome to an immersive journey into the captivating world of philosophy! 🧠 This class offers teens a unique opportunity to not only explore the thoughts of renowned philosophers but also to develop their own critical thinking skills and form well-informed conclusions through lively discussions, both online and during live meetings. 💭

🤗 This class is designed for homeschoolers 🏠, after-schoolers 🎒, or anyone looking for fun and enrichment 🎉!  

✏️ This is not your typical 'fluff' class – it’s packed with engaging, meaningful content that challenges students while keeping things exciting and fun! We dive deep, discuss, and learn actively together, making each session an adventure in understanding. Join us for a class that’s both rigorous and full of enthusiasm! 😊

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🚀 💸 Are you brand new to Outschool? Is this your teen's first class? If so, use promo code DRKAIKA2020 at checkout after enrolling your teen into this class to instantly save $20.00! 💫 🙌

This philosophy class stands out as a gateway to a world of diverse ideas and viewpoints. Using the textbook "Introducing Philosophy: A Text with Integrated Readings" from Oxford University, students will engage with a rich tapestry of political, social, and historical perspectives. 📖✨ This resource, filled with thought-provoking content, serves as the foundation for our exploration of profound questions and enduring human inquiries.

Throughout this course, we’ll delve into the minds of eminent thinkers such as Confucius, Leibniz, Aristotle, Plato, Kant, and many others from both the East and the West. 🧳 From ancient times to the modern era, these philosophers will present various facets of life, ethics, and reality, enabling students to develop their own educated opinions. 🗣️ This exploration isn’t about finding the “right” answers, but about engaging with different perspectives and appreciating the depth and complexity of philosophical thought. 🤔

One of the unique aspects of philosophy is that there are no definitive answers. Every thought, question, and idea is an opportunity to dive deeper into understanding our world and ourselves. This makes philosophy an exceptionally personal and rewarding discipline, particularly when shared in a community where diverse ideas can flourish. In our class, each student’s perspective is valued as much as those of the great philosophers, creating a truly enriching learning experience. 💬

We’ll start with understanding key concepts and philosophical questions that have fascinated humans for centuries:

🔍 Epistemology: Starting with Descartes’ famous declaration, “I think, therefore I am,” we’ll question the nature of knowledge. How do we know we exist? How can we trust our senses and perceptions? This topic also allows us to ponder the possibility of living in a simulated reality, much like the concept explored in “The Matrix.” 🤯

🔮 Metaphysics of Perception and Mind: What is perception, and can we truly see the world as it is, or is reality more like a continuous hallucination? We’ll explore these questions and how our perceptions shape our understanding of reality. Is there more to the world than meets the eye? 👁️

🧬 Personal Identity: Who are we? What defines our identity over time? Is it possible to remain the same person after teleporting or even jumping into the future? We’ll explore these intriguing questions about personal continuity and identity, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be “you.” 🤔

🧠 Philosophy of the Mind: Consciousness remains one of the greatest mysteries. Why do we possess consciousness, and is it purely a product of the physical brain? Can we ever fully comprehend the nature of our own consciousness, or is it beyond our reach? This topic invites students to ponder the most profound aspects of human existence. 🔍

🧩 Evolution and Free Will: Are we merely products of our genes, or do we have the power to choose our actions freely? How do concepts like evolution and natural selection fit with the idea of free will? We’ll explore these questions to understand the complex relationship between biology, behavior, and autonomy. 🌱

In our class, these aren’t just abstract topics—they’re springboards for vibrant discussions. We’ll tackle ethical dilemmas, debate the nature of reality, and challenge students to think critically and creatively. This engaging environment will help students not only understand philosophical concepts but also apply them to their own lives and the world around them. 🌟🗨️

This course is more than just reading and writing. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge and a whole lot of fun! 🎉 We combine philosophical texts with creative projects, engaging videos, and interactive activities to make learning dynamic and exciting. I encourage students to express themselves and explore their creativity through various mediums. 🎨

The class is structured into three parts:

Part I: The World and Beyond 🌍
We’ll explore the mysteries of the universe and our place within it. From the cosmos to the microcosm, this section encourages students to think big and question everything. ✨

Part II: Know Thyself 🧠
Delving into self-awareness and personal identity, we’ll reflect on what it means to be human. How do we define ourselves, and what makes us unique individuals? 🧩

Part III: The Good and the Right 🤔  
Reflecting on morality, ethics, and values, this section invites students to explore the foundations of right and wrong and to consider what it means to live a good life. 🌟

🪐 So, get ready for an exciting exploration of the universe of ideas! This class promises to broaden your teen’s horizons, challenge their intellect, and inspire them to think more deeply about the world and their place in it. Together, we’ll embark on a philosophical adventure that is sure to be both enlightening and fun! 📚

Explore the "Syllabus" section below for crucial details and our thrilling weekly schedule. Throughout the course, students will stay engaged by reporting on researched current events each week, culminating in a short oral report during our live meetings. We’ll also have a blast playing Kahoot games for a fun review because education can be exciting! 🚀

👍 High school doesn't have to be a tedious journey marked by long semesters and strict timelines. Let's break free from that mold! Think of high school in terms of grade levels and credits. After all, high school credit is about the knowledge and effort your teen puts in, not the weeks or months they spend studying. With this perspective, we can accelerate your teen's learning journey. However, remember to follow your state's homeschooling laws, as parents are legally considered teachers in the eyes of the Department of Education. But don't forget the freedom and flexibility you have in crafting your teen's education!

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🗓️ In our first live meeting, I'll introduce myself, the subject, and provide background information. Students will then introduce themselves by giving their preferred name, the state they live in, why they chose to take this class, and a fun fact about themselves. We'll go over what the class involves such as the weekly assignments. I'll also introduce the first week's readings and provide guidance for the chapter ahead. Each week, there's a short introductory video to get us started.

🗓️ In subsequent live meetings, we'll have meaningful group discussions about the previous week's readings, lessons, and homework where each student will give a short talk about their newly assimilated knowledge via their notes. Students will also share their current events via short oral reports, and I'll introduce the new week's chapters, lessons, and homework. Questions are encouraged, and I'm here to provide answers and support. I teach by adding additional information and details during the discussion and by adding additional information and context to student's answers on their assignments.

✨️ Our thrilling weekly rendezvous via live meetings for 45 minutes after our initial meeting unfolds like this:

1.) 🤗🙋‍♂️ Welcome & Check-in 

2.) 🗣 📰 Engage in dynamic discussions as students enthusiastically present their Current Events, complete with their slideshows tailored to the week's topic.

3.) 🗣💡Students share & exchange insights on newfound knowledge, intriguing discoveries, and crucial topics from the previous week's readings, videos, and additional independent research they may have done by taking notes of the information and orally presenting a summary in the format of "giving a short talk" of what they learned in the past week to spark discussions. Every student has a voice in my classes! The educator adds valuable input & additional information along the way. 

4.) 🗣🍎 Immerse in an interactive mini-lecture by the educator, delving deeper into the chapters of the past week & providing answers to student's questions. 

5.) 💻📚 Anticipate the excitement as the educator unveils the upcoming week's captivating topic, chapters, and assignments, setting the stage for an enriching learning experience. 

6.) 🚀🎮 Embrace the joy of learning through a spirited Kahoot session, reinforcing the week's lessons with a touch of friendly competition. 

7.) 🤔✔️ Conclude with closing remarks, leaving room for questions, issues, problems, concerns & suggestions from students. 

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Your tuition covers so much to ensure your teen has a fulfilling and supportive learning experience! 🎉 This includes weekly live meetings, engaging assignments, and exciting projects, all conducted in our virtual classroom. I provide detailed feedback on each student's work, plan lessons weekly, and grade homework with care. 💼✨

🍎 📃 Here's a list of everything I do "behind the scenes" 7 days a week, each week to support our class: 

• Provide detailed feedback on every student's assignments, adding extra context, information, and examples to enhance learning 📚✨

• Design fun and educational Kahoot games for our live meetings to make learning enjoyable 🎉🎮

• Carefully plan each week's lessons and assignments for posting to the "Assignments" tab in the classroom to ensure meaningful engagement and progress 📅 ✍️

• Respond to all parent and student private messages within 24 hours to stay connected and supportive 💬📥

• Prepare progress reports every three weeks for each learner, giving parents a snapshot of their teen's achievements and areas of growth 📊📋

• Grade homework thoroughly, ensuring every detail is reviewed to guide improvement and celebrate strengths 📝💯

• Prepare and host our weekly live meetings, where students can interact, ask questions, and deepen their understanding through engaging discussions plus prepare my mini-lecture for after their shares 🌍🗣️

• Create engaging assignments and exciting projects, making our virtual classroom an inspiring place to learn and grow 💼🌱

Your tuition covers all of this and so much more, ensuring your teen has a supportive, fulfilling, and dynamic learning experience! 🌟

I’m fully committed to supporting your teen every step of the way, offering assistance seven days a week! You can count on quick responses to messages within 24 hours, and I’m also available for private, one-on-one video meetings up to two times during the semester, if needed, to provide extra help or guidance. 😊 It’s my goal to make sure your teen feels supported and successful throughout the course! 

📚 As professional educators, we recognize that students benefit most from interactive sessions, not long or even moderate lectures. We strive to be coaches, guides, and mentors, facilitating meaningful conversations through strategic questioning and creating valuable teaching moments.

🔁 👐 In my class, I use an exciting blend of both the flipped classroom and open classroom models to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your teen! These models are highly effective at helping students truly grasp the material. 💡 The flipped classroom approach means students come to our weekly live meetings fully prepared by engaging with lesson materials beforehand—whether it's through videos, textbook readings, or even independent research. During our live sessions, students step into the role of both learner and teacher by giving a verbal presentation on their takes and learnings from the weekly lesson!  

🗣 ✍️ Students give verbal presentations based on their note-taking, sharing what they’ve absorbed from the weekly lesson materials with their classmates. This is such a powerful way for them to solidify their understanding, and it builds the confidence to explain concepts in their own words. It’s so inspiring to see them take charge of their learning! Even better, their presentations allow classmates to pick up on details or perspectives they might have missed. Everyone’s voice is heard in this class, and every student plays an active part in the learning process. 

As they present, I join in to add extra information, clarify key points, or offer additional context, making the discussion lively and interactive. This method not only enhances their communication skills but also reinforces their learning in a way that feels collaborative and fun! 🎓 Watching them grow into mini-experts is truly a rewarding experience for everyone involved! 🔥

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🎒 Although this is an eleven-week class, we’ll actually have twelve live meetings. The extra session at the end serves as a wrap-up to address any lingering questions and provide and receive feedback. it also doubles as a pre-scheduled “make-up” meeting if, in a rare occurrence, any previous live meetings had to be canceled.

🚫 This class doesn’t include live meetings or assignments during the following weeks:

- 🍂 Fall Semester: FALL BREAK is the 4th full week of November (Thanksgiving, USA)
- 🌺 Spring Semester: SPRING BREAK is the 1st full week of March

You are not charged for these weeks.

💁‍♂️ Parents will need to assist their teens in setting up their free Canva accounts and guide them in creating slideshow videos. You will also need to help them learn how to download their slideshow videos, save them as an MP4 file, and attach them to their assignments. These tools are user-friendly once learned, and I’ve included detailed instructions in the "Supply List." 

⌛ This class requires very good time management skills and self-motivation as students will complete the coursework independently and asynchronously from me and from the live meetings. But don't worry—I'm always available through private messages to answer questions, provide guidance, give support, and offer them coaching. Your teen is never alone, and I respond promptly, even on weekends, 7 days a week on the same day or by the next morning! If a longer conversation is needed I'm available for a private, one-on-one live video meeting up to two times during the semester in the Outschool Classroom for both you and your teen. Just send a message at least 72 hours in advance to schedule.

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🫣 The "Hidden Curriculum" also known as "Adulting" of this class:

In this class, there’s more than just the subject material — I’m thrilled to prepare your teen for the broader world, offering a glimpse into life beyond the classroom. Most of this will take time and practice, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do: learn and practice. Here’s how we’ll achieve that:

⏰ Firstly, we focus on time management and setting schedules to meet deadlines. This skill is crucial not only in high school but also in college, vocational schools, and future careers. Students need to submit their assignments by their due dates every week, with deadlines staggered to give them ample time to plan and organize their work.

📰 Secondly, independent research is a key component. Students will delve into current events related to our weekly topics, honing their ability to find reliable sources and create presentations. They’ll have a current event assignment where they’ll conduct internet research to find unbiased articles or videos, take notes on the "who, what, when, where, why, and how," create a simple two-slide slideshow with relevant photos, and then share their slides and articulate their findings concisely in a presentation.

🗣️ Next, we emphasize clarity and public speaking. Learning to communicate effectively and succinctly is invaluable throughout life. Students will practice giving their "talks" and actively participating in discussions during our live meetings. This mirrors the real-world skills of presenting ideas clearly and engaging in professional discussions, essential for success in any career.

✍️ Efficient note-taking is another skill we’ll develop. Students will take brief notes on chapter introduction videos, the textbook, and any additional research they find interesting or valuable. They’ll focus on topics that gave them new knowledge or that they believe are important to discuss in our live meetings. This skill links to the real-world necessity of capturing and processing key information quickly, a valuable asset in both academic and professional environments.

📽️ In addition, students will learn how to create engaging slideshow videos using Canva. For some assignments, they’ll make a slideshow video that not only answers assignment questions but also showcases their creativity. They will incorporate photos, images, emojis, animations, music, and more to craft visually appealing and informative presentations. This task will help them develop skills in digital content creation, a valuable asset in many modern careers where effective visual communication is essential.  This experience mirrors the real-world skill of creating multimedia content, an important aspect of many professions today.

🌍 Lastly, staying informed about the world around them is encouraged. This habit of curiosity and self-directed learning prepares them for lifelong learning, a cornerstone of personal growth and success. They’ll research and prepare their current events to share, and actively listen to and engage with their classmates’ presentations, fostering a well-rounded perspective on global issues.

👀 Throughout the week, I provide feedback on assignments with additional details, context, information, and real-world examples. It’s important for students to read, assimilate, and acknowledge this feedback to fully benefit from the learning process. This approach ensures they’re not only meeting the requirements but also gaining deeper insights and practical knowledge.

🪞 Together, these lessons form a “hidden curriculum” that mirrors the demands of higher education, careers, and adult responsibilities. It’s not just about getting through this class; it’s about preparing for a successful future.

🧑‍🏫 I’m committed to being kind, compassionate, and flexible. If any adjustments are needed for individual students, I’m more than happy to discuss them. Just send me a private message, and we can ensure that your teen is getting the most out of the class while meeting their unique needs.

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We're not in school; we're OUTschool, and that makes all the difference! This course is designed to somewhat mirror the structure of programs at in-person and online colleges, trade schools, vocational schools, and future careers, offering your teen an incredible head start on their journey into adulting! 🎓 It’s a challenging and rigorous experience, but the rewards are absolutely worth it! While the course is accelerated and somewhat advanced, don't worry — I am always here to provide flexible support for each teen’s unique abilities and needs to the best of my abilities! 🚀