Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

Objective

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The aim of this phase is to prepare students for the upcoming content by establishing a clear context regarding the history of modern and contemporary philosophy. This stage also seeks to elevate students' understanding of the significance of socio-emotional skills in philosophical studies, underlining how recognizing and managing emotions can enhance their comprehension and discussion of philosophical topics.

Objective Utama

1. Introduce key philosophers and movements in modern and contemporary philosophy, highlighting their contributions and impact.

2. Help students identify, understand, and articulate the emotions that arise when exploring various philosophical currents and their social relevance.

3. Encourage students to express and manage their emotions while discussing intricate philosophical themes, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Emotional Warmup Activity

Guided Meditation: A Path to Calmness

The selected emotional warm-up activity is Guided Meditation. This involves a sequence of breathing and visualization exercises to help students focus better, fostering a sense of calm and presence. Guided meditation serves as an effective tool to begin the class with clarity and concentration.

1. Prepare the Environment: Request students to sit comfortably with straight backs and feet on the ground. Ensure everyone is relaxed yet alert.

2. Start the Meditation: Inform them that the activity will commence with a few minutes of deep breathing. Guide students to close their eyes and take deep breaths through their noses, counting to four, followed by a slow exhale through their mouths, also counting to four. Continue this breathing cycle for 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Guided Visualization: After the initial breathing, start guiding them through a visualization. Encourage students to envision a serene and safe space, like a tranquil beach or lush field. Describe this scene calmly and in detail. Maintain the visualization for roughly 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Finish the Meditation: Gently guide students back to the present. Instruct them to move their fingers and toes and gradually open their eyes. Urge them to carry this sense of calm and focus throughout the class.

Content Contextualization

Modern and contemporary philosophy spans a period of significant social, cultural, and intellectual change. Movements like the Enlightenment, Existentialism, and Postmodernism have deeply influenced both Western thought and our understanding of ourselves and the world. For instance, the concept of individual freedom and the quest for authenticity, as expressed by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, touch upon emotional and existential issues that remain relevant today. By studying these philosophers, students will not only gain a historical and theoretical perspective but will also be prompted to reflect upon their own emotions, values, and choices. This link between philosophy and daily life can spark students' interest and motivation, making the learning experience more enriching and engaging.

Development

Duration: 60 to 75 minutes

Theory Guide

Duration: 25 to 30 minutes

1. Introduction to Modern Philosophy

2. Modern philosophy came into existence during the Renaissance and extends to the late 18th century. Key thinkers aimed to break free from medieval ideologies, focusing on reason, science, and individuality. Examples include René Descartes, known as the father of rationalism and famous for his statement 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am).

3. John Locke, a prominent figure of empiricism, contended that knowledge arises from sensory experience. Locke's political philosophy, especially his ideas regarding freedom and property, had a profound impact on the American and French revolutions.

4. Contemporary Philosophy

5. Contemporary philosophy spans from the late 19th century to the present day. It features a range of movements and schools of thought, including existentialism, structuralism, post-structuralism, and postmodernism.

6. Jean-Paul Sartre, a leading figure in existentialism, emphasized personal freedom and responsibility. His significant work 'Being and Nothingness' delves into existential angst and the search for meaning in a world devoid of God.

7. Michel Foucault, a key post-structuralist, examined how power and knowledge frameworks shape society and individual identity. His influential work 'Discipline and Punish' explores the progression of punishment systems and social control.

8. Philosophical Movements

9. The Enlightenment, which thrived in the 18th century, championed reason, science, and progress. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Voltaire upheld the belief that humans could utilize reason to attain freedom and justice.

10. Existentialism, prevalent in the 20th century, concentrated on individual experience and freedom. Alongside Sartre, thinkers such as Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus dealt with themes like authenticity and rebellion against life’s absurdities.

11. Postmodernism, emerging in the late 20th century, critiques overarching narratives and the objectivity of knowledge. Thinkers such as Jacques Derrida and Jean-François Lyotard questioned the tenets of modernity, proposing a fragmented and pluralistic worldview.

12. Examples and Analogies

13. To clarify Descartes' rationalism, one could use the analogy of a structure where reason is the solid foundation supporting all knowledge.

14. To illustrate Locke's empiricism, consider the human mindset as a 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) that accumulates sensory experiences throughout life.

Activity with Socioemotional Feedback

Duration: 30 to 35 minutes

Philosophical Debate and Socio-emotional Reflection

Students will be divided into groups to discuss and debate ideas from the key philosophers and philosophical movements they have studied. Post-debate, each group should contemplate the emotions that surfaced during the discussion and how these influenced their viewpoints and arguments.

1. Group Division: Form groups of 4 to 5 students.

2. Theme Distribution: Assign each group a philosopher or philosophical movement for discussion. For instance, one group may focus on Descartes and rationalism, while another delves into Sartre and existentialism.

3. Debate: Allocate each group 10 minutes to internally discuss their ideas and prepare arguments. Subsequently, organize a debate where each group presents their thoughts and addresses questions from their peers. Debate duration: 15 minutes.

4. Socio-emotional Reflection: After the debate, prompt students to reflect on the emotions they experienced during the activity. Instruct them to write a brief reflection on how these emotions shaped their opinions and actions during the debate.

5. Sharing: Create a moment for students to share their reflections with the class, highlighting the necessity of recognizing, understanding, articulating, expressing, and managing their emotions.

Discussion and Group Feedback

To utilize the RULER method in socio-emotional discussions and feedback, follow these steps:

Recognize: Begin by asking students to acknowledge and identify the emotions they felt during the debate. Inquire about their feelings while defending their viewpoints and listening to their peers.

Understand: Assist students in understanding the roots of these emotions. For example, they might have felt frustrated if unable to convey their thoughts clearly, or content when comprehended.

Label: Encourage students to accurately label these emotions using specific emotional vocabulary like 'anxious,' 'confident,' 'annoyed,' or 'empathetic.'

Express: Foster a secure environment for students to appropriately express these emotions. Prompt them to share their reflections and how these feelings impacted their debate participation.

Regulate: Discuss methods for effectively managing these emotions. For instance, practicing deep breathing can help alleviate anxiety or employing empathy improves understanding of differing perspectives.

Conclusion

Duration: 20 to 25 minutes

Reflection and Emotional Regulation

For the Reflection and Emotional Regulation activity, encourage students to write a short paragraph or engage in a group discussion about the challenges faced during class and how they managed their emotions. Prompt students to answer the following questions: What were the toughest moments, and how did they feel? What strategies did they employ to handle their emotions? What insights did they gain about themselves and their emotional reactions? The reflection can be done individually in writing, followed by a group discussion where students share their experiences and revelations.

Objective: The goal of this section is to motivate students to perform a comprehensive self-assessment of their emotional handling in challenging scenarios. By reflecting on their experiences, they can identify effective emotional regulation strategies, leading to enhanced self-awareness and self-control. This practice aids in solidifying emotional learning and applying these skills in various contexts, both inside and beyond the classroom.

Glimpse into the Future

For the Closure and Looking Forward, the teacher can motivate students to establish personal and academic goals relevant to the content studied. Emphasize that these goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, an academic goal could involve reading a book or an article from one of the philosophers discussed, while a personal goal might consist of applying a philosophical concept in a daily situation. Encourage students to share their goals with the class to promote collective commitment to ongoing growth.

Penetapan Objective:

1. Read and summarize a book or article by a modern or contemporary philosopher.

2. Apply a philosophical idea in a daily situation and reflect on the outcome.

3. Engage in a study group or discussion on philosophy outside of school.

4. Develop a project or presentation on a studied philosophical movement.

5. Write an essay or article on how philosophical concepts can be applied in today's world. Objective: The aim of this section is to empower students by motivating them to apply the knowledge gained in a practical and continuous manner. Setting personal and academic goals encourages students to remain dedicated to learning beyond the classroom, facilitating both academic and personal growth. This also nurtures responsibility and the ability to plan and achieve goals—skills that are essential for future success.