Graduate Student Research Symposium 2025

This study investigates the impact of Philosophy for Children (P4C) on reading comprehension in high school English Language Arts (ELA) students. P4C, a pedagogical approach focusing on critical thinking and collaborative inquiry, aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of texts beyond rote memorization. Given the persistent challenge of developing advanced reading comprehension skills in adolescents, this research explores whether P4C’s emphasis on dialogue and philosophical exploration can enhance students’ ability to analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex texts. The purpose of this study is to determine if participation in a P4C-infused curriculum significantly improves reading comprehension compared to traditional instruction. The results of this study could contribute to a broader understanding of P4C’s potential in secondary education, and provide ELA teachers alternatives in their classroom instruction.