Critcal Thinking
How do we get our students to this level? is it possible?
Hi Robert,
Great idea to get the brain working. You are really setting the tone of the class.
Patricia
First of all, I try to do a "brain puzzle" at the beginning of each class, whether it is Critical Thinking class (which I teach) or Psychology or Human Growth & Development (which I also teach). This activity get their " brain circuitry primed" for the business at hand.
Then, I use an abundance of application questions on quizzes, tests, homework assignments, etc. to get the students to apply the definition, concept, process, etc.
I think the concept needs to be introduced early and often with reassurance provided that the foundation of critical thinking is knowledge about the subject, which will develop for the student over the time they spend in the course. Students should be inspired that critical thinking is the ultimate level of functioning and takes experience, effort, practice and knowledge base, and they will experience a profound level of satisfaction with their career and work performance when they realize they are utilizing critical thinking to assist their patients.
I firmly believe that critical thinking and problem solving is skill that all people can develop...after all, this is one of the big things that separates us from other animals.
One way I get students to start thinking more and more critically is to get them to solve a problem that would occur in their daily lives at work or at home. Then, walk through their decision making process and show them how they came to their conclusion/answer. Then I will apply the same logic to the problems at hand.
This is very hard to deal with. I teach at a career school and many of our attendees have been put down by other teachers, parents, or friends. The students I see are afraid to think. Anytime they have tried to think in the past somebody was there to make them feel bad about it and in turn make it a bad experience to think. I see this so much and it hurts to see students to fear thinking.
I agree with what has been posted thus far. Because I am dealing with adult learners who have developed their own specific patterns of thinking throughout their lives, it has been important for me to provide them with examples of situations where critical thinking would apply. In many cases, I have asked if they thought certain information was credible and they thought it was until we walked through it and examined each part. Critical thinking is an abstract concept for people who have become accustomed to certain behavioral patterns. I believe it to be my job to show them other ways of looking at information.
I agree I feel that we should always encourage students to use their critical thinking to enable them to be successful in their future employment.
I try to get my adult learners to use their critical thinking skills by asking a question and helping them discuss and feel comfortable about sharing their thoughts by positive reinforcement as each student adds their take on the critical thinking question. I try to make it fun and very open.
Hi Athyna,
Anything is possible. Whenever probems arise in class, let the students give you solutions to the problems, and you validate solutions.
Patricia
