Teaching critical thinking

Critical thinking, as it pertains to teaching and learning, can be considered an open-minded process of

discovery and understanding

analysis and application synthesis and evaluation.

These three groupings and their six components reflect B. S. Bloom’s (et al-1956)

hierarchical taxonomy or breakdown of cognitive educational objectives.

Teaching students to be critical thinkers presumes an environment where learners, building upon their knowledge and experience set, strive to understand how

data and information can be used to develop, recognize, and/or critique general patterns of knowledge. The facility to work in patterns may be affected by the learner's "intelligence" as defined by Howard Gardner in three groupings:

object related: visual/spatial, body motion/kinesthetic, naturalist

symbol-related: verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, musical person-related: interpersonal, intrapersonal, existential

What does the application of critical thinking look like in the class or school room?

New learning is introduced with what is already known

(Ausubel 1968) Goals and objectives, and their framework, are clear

for considering and acquiring new material Generalization and conceptualization are integrated

into the learning process; and are frameworks for understanding what is taught

Internalization of knowledge is a goal, and a risk

Learning not only draws upon the teacher,

but also fellow learners and content in many media formats, and can follow non-traditional avenues

Inquiry and questioning are teaching tools;

as is lecture Demonstration of learning is integral to the learning process

Standards of evaluation are clear at the outset

What does a typical class period look like?

(accommodates 20 minute attention spans)

Introductory phase

Review previous day, homework assignments Bridge new material with advanced organizers

Lecture or content presentation Perhaps through Socratic method of questioning

Small group discussions and tasks

Period of reflection or exercises in applying new material,

or review

Reports Summaries/exercises/developmental/application/demonstration activities

Helpful Techniques & Guides related to teaching critical thinking

Questioning

Strategies for using questioning in the classroom Problem-based learning

An active learning technique

Thinking aloud

Demonstrate thinking through problems, also that answers are not always readily

available Model the process of developing ideas, solutions, etc.

Active listening

Cooperative conflict resolution Concept mapping

As an alternative to outlining or environment for brainstorming Learning portfolios/records of progress

Develop opportunities for individuals and groups to develop documents

that reflect learning progress over time (minutes/journals; blogs/media productions; speeches/presentations)

Classroom space accommodates interaction between small and larger groups of students as well as the teacher

Seize the moment/Gestalt/ah ha

Intentionally attack a current controversy or issue Strive to develop mutual understanding of the issues on both sides

as well as the alternative processes of arriving at resolution(s) Illustrate concepts

with examples out of the students' own experiences to correlate concepts and

applications Provide feedback to the learner; considerations:

Were the objectives and standards understood? What external events influenced behavior/outcome? What will feedback contribute to the learner's self-understanding and development?

Is feedback based upon the results/answers/etc. or how they were developed (process)?

Curricular guides and resources:

Using feedback in the classroom | Teaching critical thinking | Bloom's taxonomy |

Teaching with questioning | Preparing guided notes |

A curricular idea! | Curricular resources and guides |

Learning Exercises & Games | Exploring learning styles |

Constructing true/false tests | Constructing multiple choice tests |

Constructing essay exams | Cross language resources including digital translators |

Online Learning/eLearning books and resources for teachers