Incubation
I have taught the incubation method to my students who have issues with clinical issues, theory versus real life. Students are first to point out when instructors deviate from concepts, and what I have told students is that they need to step back, analyze if this is truly a wrong way (which is what comes to thought initially), or just a different way (which is usually the answer).
Craig,
Yes, you are on the right track. To help them with development in this area you might want to divide the class into small groups and have them work through a case study. This way they can refine their critical thinking skills in a low risk setting which will set them up for success later on in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My present class which will start again in 2 weeks, is having a challanging time coming together as a team to solve an issue they are having. After doing this last module the answer is becoming more clear. I will empower them all to reflect on on their problem, and try to see the bigger picture as it relates to their classmates and no just them. Am I on the right track ?
David,
I like the word " percolate" and will definitely use that with my students. I find a little physical activity such as a walk in the fresh air can get the percolation moving along. I noticed that today's students seem to be so accustomed to quickly filling in multiple choice tests and getting their good grade. In health care there are often several right answers and rarely are any of them completely right. This ability to step back and think critically is so important. Internal self talk is a big part of problem solving.
Paul,
You are providing a great service to your students with this approach because problem solving is a multi-step process that requires critical thinking and creativity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to teach my students the benifits of learning to transend any problem needing solved to view it from many sides as opposed to looking at each problem head on...PAUL T. ROUGEMONT
ALICIA,
These unexpected breaks can be really beneficial because they help the students to reset their thinking while on break and this helps them to engage in the critical thinking process at a much higher level. Good strategy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I DO MORE OR LESS THE SAME THING. MOST TIMES BREAKS ARE A SET HOUR STANDARD AND I TRY TO GIVE MY STUDENTS AN UNEXPECTED BREAK WHEN I FEEL THAT IN DOING SO WILL HELP THEIR THINKING.
Vallorie,
I like your process because it call for thinking and planning. Critical thinking is a needed skill today because much of the work we do in the USA is based upon service and service is problem solving for the most part. Something does not work as suppose to or a human is ill and needs treatment. The challenge is what is the problem and what will best fix the problem.
I wish you continued success in your effort to help your students to be able to think critically and problem solve.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know for the kind of work required in my classes, they must make a plan before they ever begin to take the plan to the production stage.
This incubation period gives them a chance to think through what they have to do and how they are going to manage problems that might arise.
They need to consider how others have done their 'plans' ...
one thing I teach all my production classes is that the key to a successful project is this pre-production process where they must think out as much as possible the entire production. Plan for the worst case scenario, as in production, something will always go awry. But if you are well-planned out, you will have a successful end result.
Dejan,
Yes, the thought process can help strengthen their cognitive abilities. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
unfortunatlly reality always find the way to be different. I think it is important to couch students to rapidly look for end game after incubation, because if they get stuck there or they spend to much time in that area things can get very confusing.
Rey,
Appropriate time to 'percolate' is an important, depending on scope and depth of the topic, is a key factor. Good point. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I usually give my students mini breaks to think about the topic / question which seems to help them understand better.
Benny,
Your strategy of the timing of when to teach critical thinking is well stated. Thank you for contributing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Jennifer. I agree with your point that students are first to point out such deviations. Students very often become inclined to merely memorize information, without understanding. Incubation in times of initial doubt, as you've stated, can teach students to think critically. It also becomes important that we teach critical thinking prior to these situations to prevent that doubt, and we can achieve this, as we've learned, through stimulating and engaging activities.
Minerva ,
You are providing a great opportunity for students to experince, first hand, the powerful effect of reflection on their written thoughts. Well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
In teaching the writing process to my students, I discuss with them how vital it is to step away from their first draft for a while and come back to it later. This time (for incubation) will give them an oportunity to see their writing in a new light and enable them to review amd reevaluate their ideas in order to improve their writing.
Jennifer,
This is an excellent way to encourage critical thinking on the part of your students. Very good. Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
