Inside my Philosopher's Backpack, are six pieces of kit that each serve as metaphors for different questions. My action research project showed how the questions were more easily remembered when linked to metaphors. This was particularly
helpful for practitioners who were new to Philosophy for Children.
Torch: Which concepts are illuminated by the stimulus?
Magnifying glass: Can we think in more detail about the concept?
Glasses: What are the alternative ideas and opinions?
Rope: Do you agree or disagree?
Global ball: Would everyone think this?
Compass: Is the direction of our question moving us forward in our thinking?
Once students and teachers are familiar with these six starting metaphors, the
idea is they use their creative and critical thinking to come up with their own kit that could go in the backpack and serve as metaphors for questions. Using their own imagination should help them to better internalise a greater array of probing questions,
developing their questioning naturally without having to recall certain questions from memory.
My action research also found the metaphors were useful as a tool for reflection and review of philosophical inquiry, fostering metacognition. It also found
that increased use of metaphors resulted in children more frequently using metaphors to help them creatively explain complex ideas. Most importantly to me, my research showed me the power of introducing the Philosopher's Backpack as a story.
Thank you for taking the to read the story here. Who knows? Maybe you might start thinking about your own thoughtful questions when you are next in a conversation.
You can read my full action research below.