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Friday, January 24, 2014

Brandon's Brainwork: Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking
It can be a challenge to get students to think critically about a certain topic, especially if they are not particularly interested in that topic.  How do we get students to think deeper?  Here are some quick question prompts that can get students to that level of deep thinking you are looking for.

  • How do you know?
  • Prove it.
  • Explain/show your thinking.
  • Why?
  • Solve the problem a different way.
  • Show me.
  • Provide an example.
  • Retell what your classmate just said, but in your own words.
  • Put yourself in the author's/characters shoes.
Getting students to think critically is a challenge for all educators.  Simple word phrases or sentence starters can be a great tool to use in your classroom to get students to think critically.  Mariko Nobori wrote a great article on critical thinking for Edutopia.  She provides teachers with Ten Takeaway Tips for Teaching Critical Thinking.

Brandon's Brainwork Questions to Consider
1. Do you provide time for your students to think critically?
2. Do you ask open-ended questions and give everyone the opportunity to answer?
3. Do you have students write their answers?
4. Do you allow debate in your classroom?
5. Can students question you?

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