Think first
Often we are quick to respond. I take a moment to pause and think over options and scenarios before I respond to a student.
Joel,
Good way to approach helping them with their problem solving skills. Slowing them down and asking them to reflect on alternative choices will result in better decisions in the long run. Better decisions will help them with their career growth and in the end everyone wins.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that we live in a time when the "Y" generation wants instant results every time. But if you take the time to think about the question they want an answer to and determine if you need to give them and answer or assist them in answering their own question.
James,
This is why self discipline is so important in the development of reflective thinking. By creating a structure for approaching problem solutions students will be able to more effective as reflective thinkers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
sometimes i think they are looking for validation
for an idea that may have sprung up in their thought process.
at our institution we always emphesize, where do
i go to get the information that will help me get this job done correctly
Dorothea,
"Wait time" is important in responding to questions and keeping a discussion session moving forward. This way the students and you can think about your responses so the results will be more in-depth and solution oriented.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is always best to stop and think before responding to any questions, or situations, especially involving students. Critical thinking techniques can supplies you with necessary learning tools to assist with developing accurate clear decision making solutions to issues or everyday challenges that may occur. This is also a means of respect to both parties. If used correctly, critical thinking skills will eliminate stress related concerns.
Cristina,
This is a very valuable strategy to use when working with students on critical thinking and problem solving. You are letting them search their "data bank" brain and then come up with ideas for possible answers. I use a lot of case studies to get my students to work through the critical thinking process. Some of the cases are related to our field and others are related to general topics. The reason for both is that the students start to learn that critical thinking is transportable and can be used to solve problems in all kinds of different situations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Studies have proven that "wait time" is an important method to use when asking questions. This requires the instructor to wait or pause after asking a question before calling on a student. As we have all experienced, there are usually 2 or 3 students in every class who have their hand raised the instant a question is asked. By only addressing these students, we are giving the other students no opportunity to consider the question in a meaningful way.
When I teach, I have to consciously remind myself to allow for "wait time" after a question. Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to wait for 10 or 15 seconds, but more often than not, a greater variety of students respond to my questions when I do this. In addition, sometimes I instruct students to not raise their hands. I tell them that I will ask a question, give them 10-15 seconds to think it over and then I will call on someone for a response. This can also be an effective classroom management tool if students are shouting out answers without raising their hands.
Have you all tried any other methods to engage more students in the critical thinking process?
I always take a moment to answer the student. Often the student already ask another instructor and they are not satisfy with the answer
Juan,
Good point about taking time to think. Your point about times when there is no time to think but needs action is a good one. This is where experience in critical thinking helps because when action is required experience has already kicked in and the proper action can and will be taken to resolve the problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
ALICIA,
Good question and the answer depends on the situation. In the medical field it is important to follow prescribed procedures in terms of treatments. In the medical field it is also very important to be a critical thinker in relation to what the patient is saying and how what they are saying relates to a medical situation. So a person needs to be able to do both in relation to providing proper support but also being able to analyze and problem solve different cases.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
JODY,
This has been my experience as well. Many of my students complain because they just want to be lectured to and then tested over the lectures. To have to think in college is way beyond where they want to go and requires too much effort. What they don't realize is that their careers will be spent being critical thinkers if they are going to grow in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thinking is very important. Taking the time to think is very important. It is always a better decision to take the time to think rather than just rushing into a decision/conclusion. There's been times where of course, time is not permited.
I'm a bit confused!...So, when a person/student has some kind of experience in that particular instance, is it wise to follow such a solution or does one have to follow the "vet" options?
i can relate to this very much. I too have students that are basically too lazy to find answers on their own.I will encourage them to use a service manual and find it out. This not only gets them engaged but ultimately makes them realize they dont need an instructor to find answers and builds their self confidence so when they leave school they will be better off.
Kevin,
It is a learned response and they need to have repeated opportunities to internalize how they are going to become critical thinkers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. In actuality you have kick started the critical thinking process for them. The next time they ask a question they will use critical thinking first.
Kevin
bobbe,
You have implemented a valuable instructional tool to lead the students in a collaborative learning method. What a terrific technique. Thank you for sharing your helpful insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have found that a lot of students ask me questions they could answer themselves if they had put any thought into it before asking me. I find that they want me to do all the work for them. Get a quick answer. I will in return ask them what the basis of their question is founded on, what solution (answer) they are seeking and how they would handle it (the result) that would benefit them the most. I also find by using this approach other students will pitch in their points of view.
