• “The ideas [about] different ways of thinking were very new to many teachers … but as you applied the ideas to practical ways to help children to explore their thinking, and then married this with philosophical terminology, everything suddenly fell into place. The overwhelming feeling was that staff were very impressed and excited, and they want to be able to teach this subject better … they want to know more. I think that the staff were surprised and appreciated how important thinking really is… Thank you for igniting the interest of our staff and for inspiring us.” (Jacqueline Clement, Assistant Principal, Birralee Primary School)

• “I feel like my philosophy barometer has been switched on and I’m excited about finding powerful stimuli and questions to put into practice the learning from these two days.” (Anonymous teacher, Preshil: The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School)

• “It was fantastic to see examples of what you were teaching us about through videos, audio and transcripts, just to see it in action. It made clear how capable kids are of engaging in deep philosophical thought.” (Anonymous teacher, Preshil: The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School)

• “The program was well-presented, with great handout notes as well. I think that the way in which you approached philosophy as a whole and then breaking it up into the foundational skills and practical teaching applications makes it valuable and do-able!”

• “Your workshops were hands-on and encouraged everyone to talk, share ideas and questions.”

• “It was interesting to see how discussion progresses from one question to developing other questions, all explicitly designed to challenge thinking. [I liked] exploring different perspectives on a provocative philosophical question.”

• “The most memorable aspect of the program was having the opportunity to join in the practice sessions. Thanks for your feedback and how you modelled running philosophy sessions.”

• “It was great to be exposed to ideas about themes, questions and resources. Also, loads of inspiration! Thank you for your generosity of ideas and passion for thinking!”

• “It was wonderful to see the range of resources that you willingly shared with us.”

• “Great introduction to philosophy teaching and guiding children through the philosophical maze.”

• “Slides, clips, audio, all really thoughtful.”

• “Excellent support materials allowed me to go back and check my learning.”

• “I am finding all your resources really practical! They have heaps of strategies for facilitating and different tasks to do. A great resource!”

• “There have been so many ‘take home’ points for this PD, teaching my students the argumentation skills which can be applied to multiple areas of the curriculum.“

• “Wonderful example of great team teaching.”

• “I have really enjoyed working with you… You have been so helpful and accommodating in organising this [PD]… I really do want to keep working with you.”

• “Bamboozled… in a good way.”

• “This is a great way to learn alongside our students.”

• “Philosophy is USEFUL!“

• “More please.”

Will this PD program influence your teaching?

• “[Your presentation] has inspired many to re-evaluate how they question children, and how easy it is to get into the rut of just ‘delivering curriculum’… We are really looking forward to making thinking a much bigger priority again!” (Jacqueline Clement, Assistant Principal, Birralee Primary School)

• “Most definitely. I feel I was given practical tools to use in the classroom to run successful philosophical discussions, making my discussion time more focused.”

• “I’m more aware of strategies I can use to extend students’ thinking.”

• “The program has developed my ability to ask and answer higher-order questions in a range of contexts, building on other people’s ideas.”

• “I feel like I will be able to improve the way I facilitate philosophical discussions by explicitly teaching the students some of the thinking tools, so that they are aware of the vocabulary and can begin to use [it] in discussion.”

• “It’s helpful to know what it is that makes a good philosophical discussion and the strategies you shared for encouraging discussion and staying focused on the original theme… I will use many of your ideas when running philosophy and literacy and inquiry sessions.”