John Peter Portelli
Encyclopedia
John Peter Portelli is a Maltese educationist, and (at least in the Maltese context) a minor philosopher. In philosophy he mostly specialised in the Philosophy of Education
with interests in Political Theory.
, Malta
. In 1975 he acquired a Bachelor of Arts
in philosophy
and Maltese
from the University of Malta
. Subsequently, he began teaching history
and modern languages at Savio College
, Dingli
, Malta
, and then, in 1976, philosophy
at De La Salle College, Cottonera, Malta
. In 1977 he pursued his studies in Canada
at the McGill University
, Montreal
, from where he acquired a Masters (1979) and a Doctorate
(1984). He permanently emigrated from Malta
to Canada
in 1980.
In Canada
Portelli began teaching at the McGill University
, where four year later, in 1982, he became lecturer of philosophy with the Faculty of Education. He also taught at the Marie-Victorin
College of Montreal
(1982-83), and was a Killam Fellow at the Dalhousie University
, Halifax, Nova Scotia
, where he also taught philosophy (1986, 1988, 1990, 1992). Between 1986 and 1992, he taught Philosophy of Education
at Halifax. He also taught at St. Mary’s University
, Taxas, U.S.A. (1994-95); the Acadia University
, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
(1997-98); and at the University of British Columbia
, Vancouver
, British Columbia
(1998).
Portelli was appointed Associate Professor of Philosophy in 1989, and Professor of Philosophy in 1994. He began teaching at the University of Toronto
, Canada
, in 1999. He was Assistant editor (1992-96), and then Editor (1996-99), of the periodical Paideusis, the official magazine of Canada
’s Philosophy of Education
.
Coeditions
Chapters in books
Articles
Philosophy of education
Philosophy of education can refer to either the academic field of applied philosophy or to one of any educational philosophies that promote a specific type or vision of education, and/or which examine the definition, goals and meaning of education....
with interests in Political Theory.
Life
Portelli was born on March 21, 1964, at MostaMosta
Mosta is a town situated in the middle of the island of Malta, to the north-west of Valletta. It had a population of 19,018 people in 2010. Mosta celebrates the feast of Saint Mary the Assumption on the 15th August. This is a very popular feast among the Mostin and tourists alike...
, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
. In 1975 he acquired a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and Maltese
Maltese language
Maltese is the national language of Malta, and a co-official language of the country alongside English,while also serving as an official language of the European Union, the only Semitic language so distinguished. Maltese is descended from Siculo-Arabic...
from the University of Malta
University of Malta
The University of Malta is the highest educational institution in Malta Europe and is one of the most respected universities in Europe. The University offers undergraduate Bachelor's Degrees, postgraduate Master's Degrees and postgraduate Doctorates .-History:The University of Malta was founded in...
. Subsequently, he began teaching history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
and modern languages at Savio College
Savio College, Dingli
Savio College is a boys' secondary, church school. It is situated in the west of Malta, in the picturesque village of Ħad-Dingli. The Salesians of Don Bosco run this school. The school is called Savio College for one of Don Bosco's students, St...
, Dingli
Dingli
Ħad-Dingli is a village on the west coast of Malta, with a population of 3,326 persons , 13 kilometers from the capital Valletta and two kilometers from the nearest town, Rabat. The village lies on a plateau some 250 metres above sea level, which is one of the highest points of Malta...
, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
, and then, in 1976, philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
at De La Salle College, Cottonera, Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
. In 1977 he pursued his studies in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
at the McGill University
McGill University
Mohammed Fathy is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university bears the name of James McGill, a prominent Montreal merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, whose bequest formed the beginning of the university...
, Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, from where he acquired a Masters (1979) and a Doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
(1984). He permanently emigrated from Malta
Malta
Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...
to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 1980.
In Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
Portelli began teaching at the McGill University
McGill University
Mohammed Fathy is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university bears the name of James McGill, a prominent Montreal merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, whose bequest formed the beginning of the university...
, where four year later, in 1982, he became lecturer of philosophy with the Faculty of Education. He also taught at the Marie-Victorin
Marie-Victorin
Brother Marie-Victorin was a De La Salle Christian Brother and botanist in Quebec, Canada, best known as the father of the Jardin botanique de Montréal....
College of Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
(1982-83), and was a Killam Fellow at the Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a public research university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The university comprises eleven faculties including Schulich School of Law and Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine. It also includes the faculties of architecture, planning and engineering located at...
, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
, where he also taught philosophy (1986, 1988, 1990, 1992). Between 1986 and 1992, he taught Philosophy of Education
Philosophy of education
Philosophy of education can refer to either the academic field of applied philosophy or to one of any educational philosophies that promote a specific type or vision of education, and/or which examine the definition, goals and meaning of education....
at Halifax. He also taught at St. Mary’s University
St. Mary's University, Texas
St. Mary's University is a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts institution located on northwest of downtown San Antonio, Texas, United States. St. Mary’s is a nationally recognized master’s level school ranked among the top colleges in the west for best value and academic reputation by U.S. News...
, Taxas, U.S.A. (1994-95); the Acadia University
Acadia University
Acadia University is a predominantly undergraduate university located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada with some graduate programs at the master's level and one at the doctoral level...
, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
(1997-98); and at the University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a public research university. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley...
, Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
(1998).
Portelli was appointed Associate Professor of Philosophy in 1989, and Professor of Philosophy in 1994. He began teaching at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, in 1999. He was Assistant editor (1992-96), and then Editor (1996-99), of the periodical Paideusis, the official magazine of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
’s Philosophy of Education
Philosophy of education
Philosophy of education can refer to either the academic field of applied philosophy or to one of any educational philosophies that promote a specific type or vision of education, and/or which examine the definition, goals and meaning of education....
.
Works
Books- 2003 – Bejn Zewg Dinjiet: Malta u l-Kanada (In Between: Malta and Canada).
- 2007 - Journal of Thought (U.S.A.), special issue on Critical Democracy and Educational Leadership Issues.
- 2008 - Il-Qigħan (Depths).
- 2008 - Maltese in Canada Length.
- 2008 - Taht ic-Cirasa (Under the Cherry Tree).
Coeditions
- 1988 - Philosophy of Education (coedited with William Hare).
- 1993 - Reason and Value in Education (coedited with Sharon Bailin).
- 1993 – What to Do? (coedited with William Hare).
- 1994 - Whole Language and Philosophy with Children (coedited with Susan Church).
- 1995 - Children, Philosophy, and Democracy (coedited with Ronald Reed).
- 1995 - Dialoguing Standards (coedited with Ann Vibert).
- 1988 - Philosophy of Education: Introductory Readings (with William Hare)
- 2001 - The Erosion of the Democratic Tradition in Education (with Patrick Solomon).
- 2002 - Journal of Thought (U.S.A.), special issue on Ethics and Educational Leadership (with Douglas Simpson).
- 2003 - The McGill Journal of Education, special issue on the Challenge of Student Engagement (with Lynn Butler-Kisber).
- 2005 – Key Questions in Education (with William Hare).
- 2007 - Key Questions in Education (with William Hare).
Chapters in books
- 1988 – ‘On Reed and Discussing Philosophy with Children’, in Philosophy of Education: Introductory Readings’’, ed. by Hare and Portelli.
- 1993 – ‘Recent Developments in Analytic Philosophy of Education’, in Reason and Value in Education, ed. by Portelli and Bailin.
- 1993 – ‘Dare We Expose the Hidden Curriculum?’, in Reason and Value in Education, ed. by Portelli and Bailin.
- 1994 - ‘From Text to Textuality: Using McLaren's Life in Schools’, in Peter McLaren: Life in Schools (2nd edition).
- 1995 - ‘Whole Language and Philosophy with Children: A Dialogue of Hope’, in Children, Philosophy, and Democracy, ed. by Portelli and Reed.
- 1996 - ‘The Challenge of Teaching for Critical Thinking’, in Philosophy of Education: Introductory Readings, ed. by Hare and Portelli.
- 2001 - ‘Introduction’ (co-authored with R. Patrick Solomon), in The Erosion of Democracy in Education, ed. by Portelli and Solomon.
- 2001 - ‘Beyond Common Standards: Toward a Curriculum of Life’ (co-authored with Ann Vibert), in The Erosion of Democracy in Education, ed. by Portelli and Solomon.
- 2002 - ‘Democracy in Education: Beyond the Conservative and Progressivist Stances’, in Philosophy of Education: Introductory Readings, ed. by Hare and Portelli.
- 2002 - ‘Introduction’ and ‘Introductions to Part 1 - Part 7’ (co-authored with W. Hare), in Philosophy of Education: Introductory Readings, ed. by Hare and Portelli.
- 2005 - ‘Curriculum of Life’ (with Ann Vibert), in Civic Education and Democracy in Russia, ed. by Olga E. Glagoleva and Olga V. Zaslavskaia.
- 2005 - ‘Democratic Values in Bureaucratic Structures: Interrogating the Essential Tensions’ (with Leeno L. Karumanchery) in International Handbook of Educational Policy, ed. by Nina Bascia et al. .
- 2005 - ‘Student Engagement’ in Key Questions for Educators, ed. by W. Hare and J.P. Portelli.
- 2008 - ‘The Role and Impact of Critical Thinking in Democratic Education: Challenges and Possibilities’ (with Laura Pinto), in Critical Thinking in an Era of Accountability: Teaching and Testing in Today's Schools and Universities, ed. by J. Sobocan.
- 2008 - ‘Divergent discourses: Minoritized teacher candidates’ contradictory responses to “white privilege”’ (with Solomon, R.P., Daniel, B-J., & Campbell, A.), in Rupturing racism: Critical theories and insurgent strategies, ed. by L. Karumancherry.
Articles
- 1982 - ‘The Myth that Avicenna Reproduced Aristotle's Concept of Imagination’, in Scripta Mediterranea.
- 1986 - ‘Education, Work and Imagination: A Critique of the Views of Mary Warnock’, in McGill Journal of Education.
- 1986 - ‘Review article of Controversies in Teaching (1985) by William Hare’, in McGill Journal of Education.
- 1986 - ‘On Reed and Discussing Philosophy with Children’, in Teaching Philosophy.
- 1987 - ‘Analytic Philosophy of Education: Development and Misconceptions’, in Journal of Educational Thought.
- 1987 - ‘On Defining Curriculum", in Journal of Curriculum and Supervision.
- 1988 - ‘Curriculum as Planned: An Evaluative Concept’, in Journal of Educational Administration and Foundations.
- 1988 - ‘Philosophy for Children: An Example of the Public Dimension in Philosophy of Education’, in Eidos.
- 1990 - ‘The Socratic Method and Philosophy for Children’ (revised), in Metaphilosophy.
- 1990 - ‘Teaching Philosophy of Education: The Discussion - Case-Study Approach’, in Paideusis.
- 1991 - ‘From Text to Textuality: Using McLaren's Life in School’, in The Journal of Education.
- 1992 - ‘The “Discussion - Case Study Approach”’, in Introduction to Philosophy of Education Courses’ Education.
Sources
- Mark Montebello, Il-Ktieb tal-Filosofija f’Malta (A Source Book of Philosophy in Malta), PIN Publications, Malta, 2001.
- Mark Montebello, 20th Century Philosophy in Malta, Agius & Agius, Malta, 2009.
- Mark Montebello, Malta’s Philosophy & Philosophers, PIN Publications, Malta, 2011.