
22 November 2023
Research on philosophical dialogues could lead to better health
Can philosophical dialogues improve participation, self-esteem, and health among young people with intellectual disabilities? That's what researchers aim to find out in collaboration with schools for pupils with intellectual disability.
"These are students who rarely get their voices heard. At the same time, they have many thoughts, just as any young person. Who am I? What should I do with my life? Where do I fit in? These are important questions for well-being and how they experience their relationships," says Åsa Gardelli, Senior Professor of Education specializing in Special Needs Education.
The researchers will collaborate with pupils and staff in schools for pupils with intellectual disability in different municipalities, comparing the progress between classes where these dialogues are held and classes with regular teaching. Over at least 12 sessions, pupils will discuss issues important to them and, with support from facilitators, talk about these matters philosophically. The initiative comes from Luleå Municipality, co-funder of the project.
Positive effects in other groups
The researchers have several questions, such as whether philosophical dialogues lead to the development of pupils’ communication skills, increase participation, and improve health and well-being. Previous research about philosophical dialogues with other target groups has indicated positive effects of the method, such as improved reasoning abilities, communication skills, and well-being. However, this is the first research of this kind conducted with pupils with intellectual disability.
Everyday matters becomes philosophical questions
Anders Franklin, a doctoral student in the project, will lead dialogues, collect data, and perform various analyzes. He has worked as an upper secondary school teacher and has experience in philosophical dialogues in various settings with different participants.
"As a facilitator, I don't provide answers but help the group become better at answering philosophical questions themselves. It's a democratic conversation, and it's the participants' questions that are discussed. For example, children might have big questions that stem from everyday situations. Something happening in class may lead to an inquiry about general philosophical matters," says Anders Franklin.
The research group has previous experience in studying philosophical dialogues in other groups, such as individuals with aphasia and acquired brain injury. The research is interdisciplinary and includes areas such as Education, Philosophy, Special Needs Education, and Psychology. With funding for seed projects within PRECISE External link., innovative precision health, the researchers had the opportunity to do research on existing tools and develop their own that suit the new target group.
Implementing pedagogical method
The first philosophical dialogue in schools commences in the fall. And although the project has only just begun, there are positive side effects.
"These kinds of research projects, where we implement a pedagogical method, also allow the schools to gain knowledge about the method. The research directly benefits the pupils. We see it as a good example of a win-win collaboration," says Ylva Backman, Associate Professor of Education specializing in Special Needs Education.
About the project
Project name: Philosophical Dialogues for Pupils with Intellectual Disability
Funding: Luleå Municipality and the Department of Health, Learning, and Technology at Luleå University of Technology, as well as PRECISE, innovative precision health, at Luleå University of Technology.
The research group:
Anders Franklin, doctoral student of Education specializing in Special Needs Education.
Åsa Gardelli, Senior Professor of Education specializing in Special Needs Education.
Ylva Backman, Associate Professor of Education specializing in Special Needs Education.
Viktor Gardelli, Senior Lecturer of Education.
Malin Wass, Associate Professor of Psychology.
Contact
Ylva Backman
- Associate Professor
- 0920-491289
- ylva.backman@ltu.se
- Ylva Backman
Åsa Gardelli
- Senior Professor, Special Educational Needs Programme Coordinator
- 0920-492370
- asa.gardelli@ltu.se
- Åsa Gardelli
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