julia,
That is a trick that varies with almost every student. ;-]
Nevertheless, the more transparent we are with the consequences and rewards of undisciplined and disciplined, respectively, the better the learning of this discipline will be. Setting standards and then having the integrity to follow through is a much better teacher than sheilding students from the consequences of their actions in the name of compassion/understanding. If a teacher maintains strict adherence (with sincere encouragement and care for the person - not punitive harshness) to the small items of the agreement (syllabus, or whatever) from the begining, the students will choose their rewarding behavior and/or consequence imposing behavior with a higher level of confidence of the outcome. Our society often sees this as harsh instead of good pedagogy. However, the research bears it out.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
When a Student has strong discipline skills it is much easier to teach critical thinking. The trick has been to teach discipline to students that lack discipline in there daily life skills.
Angela Hutchinson,
Well said. Excellent approach. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Discipline is an inherent part of everyday life, students who have never been exposed to "home" discipline struggle with even basic functions such as chronic tardiness and absenteeism because even the concept of an alarm clock evades them. Without teaching them the "discipline" aspects of learning, they are unsuccesful in basic instruction. Consequences should follow lack of discipline and rewards for changes in behavior should be swift. When the always tardy student is suddenly on time for consecutive days this should be noted and applauded. This helps reinforce the need to discipline oneself to have true success.
Ellen,
These are very helpful illustrations and descriptions. Buying into the need for self-change that requires theindividual's effort is one of the critical keys. Good post.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think some people are gifted with more self discipline and the ability to critically think. Using my two children as examples I think of my 7 year old who is constantly analyzing a situation and at times getting "in trouble" for questioning the teacher's methods. While he may not understand what he is doing he is an active critical thinking. He does not accept "because I said so". He has a true scientific mind. Conversely, my 10 year old does not have the ability to critically think. In a sense he needs to learn how to critically think and have the discipline to utilize these methods. Right now, he does not see the need or the advantage. In a sense, I see that as the first step for discipline is to be aware of the need and advantage of learning the skills of critical thinking.
Luke,
This is a superb 'beyond the solution' perspective. Most of the time when we discuss Critical Thinking we don't take the solution derived to practical application. Very good. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe discipline helps with critical thinking by assimilating the outcomes of questions, or problems with applications. When the final decision is formed with the end result constantly in mind it has as practical and hopefully personal meaning. Especially when it may take longer than hitting the 'search' button on google.
Felix,
You are correct, the structure is very important for many of the learners.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I concur Monica, there is a need to have the students learn that discipline is essential to be succesful to attain consistency at any given task, especially critical thinking. The student needs to have boudaries to have a sense of control and focus.
Beth,
The time, effort and dedication seem to be getting more sparse among post secondary students when it comes to applying themselves to critical thinking. I believe your insights are very accurate. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Personal discipline helps with critical thinking because in order to think critically students have to be willing to put in the time, effort and dedication. When students have self discipline they can aquire good communication skills, collaborative learning strategies, self confidence and a good educational foundation.
William,
Agreed. What do you think are the most important system components for critical thinking?
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Disciple requires a systematic approach to any endeavor.
Jennelle,
Perfect application of the proverb.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Discipline will allow the student the opportunity to practice critical thinking on a daily basis. Following the old proverb, we need to teach students to fish and feed them for a lifetime.
Leslie ,
Well said. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think discipline plays a role because critical thinking is a learned skill. Someone would have to intentionally apply different approaches(such as logic and reasoning) to a situation to think critically.
Leslie Morgan
Michael,
Pursuing knowledge is a key component. Excellent point. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think with out personal discipline critical thinking would fall to those who arn't open to the possibility of gaining information by asking questions. Society like was said feels that it is entitled to answers when it should be them trying to find the answers themselves.
