Learning from the Other: Thinking as an Engaging form of School Experience

Abstract

The author is mainly concerned with the conditions under which it is possible to support school students in their own learning from others. He explores both philosophy of education and educational practice. In the first part of the article, two opposite approaches to learning are discussed: one focused on effortful work, the other on dialogical concept of life. The second part is devoted to a description of a philosophical project in the field of critical and creative thinking (Academy for the Art of Thinking) that was carried out in schools with young and older teenage learners. A special attention is paid to the issue of students’ engagement in learning. In conclusion, certain reflections are formulated and some recommendations are suggested to practitioners.