I learned about the jigsaw activities where they are like detectives adding pieces to solve something and self reflection activities. I thought this was interesting because it is done in a group atmosphere.
Tom,
Yes, the "be the expert" works well in this era of being the best, aka "American Idol", etc.
Renee Shaffer
Two fun things that I learned are
1. Second Life being used to mimic real life is a powerful tool for high order thinking. "Role playing or debates can be done in virtual worlds such as Second Life. For example, a law class can design a new legal system for a new lawless world. Through a chat feature, using avatars, creating a meeting space and role playing, students can meet to discuss and debate the ramifications of making or not making laws in this new world."
2. I like the idea of be the expert. The instructor allows students to answer questions using any of their BOYD such as smartphones so that they answer questions in real time. This generates instant gratification as students become their own experts in by researching and solving problems in real time.
Thanks, Tom
Jan, acting out assignments are very engaging and I have used them for years.
Jigsaw assignments and problem based learning because I do not routinely use these. Many of the others described in the lecture materials I commonly use.
Two of the critical thinking assignments I found most fascinating is the jigsaw assignments and the reflection exercises. The jigsaw assignments seem fascinating because the students are given a puzzle to solve and they must use their background knowledge and research in order to solve the puzzle. It provides the students a shared scenario to solve and provides a connection and shared experience between the group. The reflection exercises seemed interesting because it allows the student’s time to reflect on the material they are learning and to form questions.
I like your response to this forum. Often I will provide a case study in advance of an open chat to give students time to think and research. The chat provides the forum for their opinions and findings.
Debate and discussion. Form teams and pose a topic that is controversial such as death with dignity as offered in Oregon. One team takes the pro and the other the con to the subject. Each is to formulate a position that can be defended based on research along with opinion. A final group presentation is given by each group. A second round is provided to rebut the opposite group’s presentation. The latter session can be conducted in a schedule chat. ‘Dueling Views’
I liked the suggestion for peer and self-reflection as a group activity. It sounds like a sound way to have students safely express their curiosity on a subject while experiencing the skill of collaboration.
I like to use jigsaw assignments as well as classroom debates. I have had much success with both of these modalities in my classroom. I think that they engage the students to use their critical thinking skills as well as understand the thought of another peer in the classroom.
Renee, I think the "Be the expert" to me is fun and I actually perform this now in the classroom and did not know it was related to critical thinking per say. I have students be the computer forensics expert, practice on the stand answering the questions of other students who are representing the defense or the prosecution so others can see what reality might be in this situation. I can then see them develop their own expert knowledge base, and learn this from others.
Tomi,
I have had instructors use Twitter to do short, concise debates. Use social media!
Renee Shaffer
I really like debates. I use them a lot on F2F classes but I have found that it is a bit harder to establish the same dynamics in online course. Any ideas?
The two interesting techniques that I learned were the jigsaw assignments and problem based learning. I think that they are sort of related, actually, as many problem solving scenarios are jigsaw types of situations were students have to put the pieces together. I think that these are both very motivational and engaging ways to learn. The learning happens almost as a side effect while being engaged in the activity.
Case studies and be the expert are amazing critical thinking exercises! I look forward to incorporating them into my courses!
the fun of this skills is to create by critical thinking, why, how, we can teach creativity to the students how to use logical results and combine with problem solving
Lisa,
Just trying to touch base with instructors who have been using Second Life. I get the feeling that it is now passe but still I see the need/value of it.
Renee Shaffer
Role playing or debates can be done in virtual worlds such as Second Life. Through a chat feature, using avatars, creating a meeting space and role playing, students can meet to discuss and debate the ramifications of making or not making laws in this new world.
Jigsaw activities where students add pieces of information to solve a puzzle that was created by a question posed by the instructor.
Amos,
HAve you used Second life? some say it is on the way out now, but I don't know.
Renee Shaffer
I also like the problem based method as technician students, problem solving is crucial and I can see benefits to Second Life as well--
Eleanor,
My students, however , hate bingo games and crossword puzzles. Who knew?
Renee Shaffer
