If I think about the problems that I've encountered and had to solve in my job or in my personal life, I've never been told to do it with out a resource. I think part of critical thinking is being able to equip the students with knowledge to be able find the solution. Learning how to use resources. For example, I wanted to learn how to play a particular song on the mandolin. I have books, videos, and recordings to use as a resource, but I have also learned countless tips from the Internet.
Project Catch-up
17 years ago
3 comments:
Hi, Roman,
I think you make an excellent point about really good teachers making a point of incorporating critical thinking skills into their lessons. I think with practice and experience it becomes less complicated to do this.
I like the example you gave of learning to play an instrument as well. I think that learning music is a great way to increase intelligence, achievement, and critical thinking skills. We definitely need to support music programs in the public schools and make every effort not to lose them because of budget cuts, etc.
Ooops...you inadvertently stumbled upon one of my soapbox topics. LOL!
Anyway, you've made some really great points re: critical thinking.
TTYL,
Lenrose
Roman-
You brought up several good points, several of which I mentioned to Lenrose, as well. In the age of No Child Left Behind, teachers are under an extreme amount of pressure to cover required standards in shorter and shorter time frames. Unfortunately, the first thing that usually goes is ingenuity... varied lesson plans... and yes, encouragement of critical thinking skills. Teachers have to make a special effort to ensure students are using critical thinking skills. You're point about the importance of resources is definitely a valid one, as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Mark
Aah, you have hit upon the very nature of my job :)
If students know how to use various resources and where to go to locate resources they can learn just about anything! Critical thinking is necessary to navigate through the abundance of information both good and bad. Once they find a lot of good information students must synthesize it. Hopefully while they are in school students will be given the opportunity to research authentic problems. If so, they will use critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and use the information to solve real world problems.
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