The development of critical thinking in an Infant Education classroom using philosophical methods

Abstract

The objective of this document is to create an efficacious method for fostering critical thinking within the curriculum of Infant Education through a variety of philosophical approaches that facilitate the development of significant learning. This methodology is founded upon a number of philosophical aspects, including curiosity, enquiry, and dialogue. In order to develop an effective method that can be evaluated, during the document different definitions of critical thinking are considered and the different skills and attitudes that the definitions involve. Once these attitudes and skills have been defined, I investigate the advantages of different philosophical methods developed by great thinkers, with the aim of indentifying the most effective links that can facilitate the development of critical thinking. Then, a table will be elaborated in which the development of different curricular contents can be facilitated through critical thinking. The use of philosophical methods for the acquisition of curricular content through critical thinking will facilitate the development of essential attitudes in children such as the appreciation of learning from diverse perspectives, the consideration of alternative ideas, the evaluation of different information sources, and the active pursuit of knowledge through the lens of curiosity and enquiry.