We have very little lecture in the course I teach. Most of what we do is hands on technical work. I guess you could consider that as critical thinking.
Hi Mariska,
Awesome lesson! It is super the way you coached these students and provided explicit direction. I also like how you made the story apply to real life.
Patricia Scales
In order to assess my students' understanding of vocabulary concerning the use of DNA fingerprinting, they were assigned the task of writing a short story. The story had to culminate in the solving of a crime or reuniting of an estranged family member through DNA technology. I made suggestions about murder mysteries, paternity results, kidnapped children, etc. There was a list of words that were to be used. They were instructed to use as many of the 10 words I provided as they could. Some were to prompt imagination, like "suspicion". More credit would be given for the greater number of words. After 20 to 30 minutes of coaching and individual instruction to guide students to conclusions, correct spelling and grammar, and check for any inappropriate material, students were encouraged to share their stories or allow me to do so.
I actually had a teaching mentor in the room that day and she really loved the lesson. It went very well.
Hi Lori,
This is a great way for students to gain knowledge and also to determine how much students really know.
Patricia Scales
I have assigned research papers on diseases that affect the body systems we're discussing. We're currently going over Nursing Care Plans that they create based on either a real case study or an imaginary patient. This goes along with a presentation covering the disease and how their patient would be tested/treated for the disease.
Hi Elizabeth,
Making money and saving money are definitely great motivators. I can see how students can really develop a great interest in this practical exercise.
Patricia Scales
As a culinary instructor I often have students find the food cost of recipes. This gets them thinking about the "real-world," maybe they can substitute a less expensive ingredient to make the dish more profitable? Many of the students in my class are interested in being business owners, this critical thinking exercise provides real world application that they are interested in, making money.
Hi Ellen,
It really makes you feel so good as an instructor when the light bulb comes on for a student.
Patricia Scales
I love that so much of what I teach is hands-on. I can take items into the classroom that require manipulation in the clinic setting. Students can learn and discuss difficulties as individuals or in small groups. It is exciting to watch students learn from each other. I especially appreciate the "Ah-ha" moments when someone finally "gets it."
Hi Cory,
I also like to add role play, simulations, case studies, scenarios, and etc. to promote critical thinking.
Patricia Scales
Lab time, group projects, and class lectures.
I instruct in a massage therapy program. The hardest thing it to get the students on the road of critical thinking. Each client will present with different issues and physical abilities. I do my best to start with an idea and ask my students how they would approach a topic or idea with a client ever keeping in mind their scope of practice and any other boundaries to which they should adhere.
Hi Christopher,
I like the idea of a self evaluation, and then you give your own evaluation either adding or subtracting to theirs. This is a great way to determine if students recognize their strengths and their weaknesses in the area.
Patricia Scales
Hi Adam,
This type of learning is real. This is certainly something that they will encounter in the real world.
Patricia Scales
I teach in an entertainment arts based school. As well a lecture and discussion we have a practical lab with a demo and a class exercise each week. It becomes tricky because natural talent does play a role in the students final outcome so I must remember that when a student finishes and it is time for assessment I often ask the students what s/he thinks I am going to say allowing them to first critic there own work and then adding or subtracting with my assessment. I always feel that this makes the students begin to see on there own and allows me to help correct them in a positive way.
I ask students to prepare for a site inspection using criteria they have discussed and learned throughout their matriculation thus far.
Hi Mark,
This is a super exercise to get students to think outside of the box. Everything in the workplace is not easy, and they should be exposed to complex scenarios as well.
Patricia Scales
In teaching students to organize a buffet, I will give them ,"curve balls", to make them have to come up with a solution to difficult task. An examle being, what if 25% of the guest are vegetarians??
Hi Linda,
I like how you make your students put their brains together to determine the calculation. This is an activity that will get them ready for their career.
Patricia Scales
Currently, I'm teaching a bread class. I have involved students with baker's percentages. I will give them the new yeild on the amount of dough desired. The class needs to work together to figure out the exact amounts of each ingredient. I also pose questions regarding using flours of different protien levels and their outcome.
