The use of audio-visual media in the teaching of philosophy in secondary schools

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to discuss how audio-visual media, in particular, films and podcasts, can be used in the teaching and learning of philosophy in secondary education. At its most fundamental level, philosophy involves careful, reflective and self-aware thinking about a range of topics that are central to the question of what it means to be a human being. Through philosophical discussions, students learn to analyse problems and issues, and to provide adequate answers and solutions to these problems and issues. They acquire the ability to examine and evaluate their own reasoning as well as that of others, and in this way become more confident of their own views and actions. However, teaching philosophy in a secondary school context can be very challenging, because the students' thinking skills are still at a developmental stage, whereas philosophy discourse seems to require rather advanced thinking abilities. This essay suggests how films and podcasts can be used to overcome this challenge.