Hello Renee,
When trying to put together a critical thinking assignment, I would gather as much data as possible. I would think along the lines of what my subject matter would be, who my audience is, what active learning techniques I can incorporate into my assignment. Since my classroom is online, I would create a blog or discussion forum topic that could supplement the assignment. The last thing I would do is find some online tools and create a rubric to help my students understand the process as easy as possible.
Liz
I would begin with the end in mind! I would have to synthesize the goals of the assignment and determine how the students could move toward those goals. Sort of "thinking backwards" from the goal to the question.
Tina
In teaching critical thinking with Braircliffe the first plan of action in making a critical thinking assignment is to give the students something that they enjoy doing. In my opinion, when an instructor implements the first plan of action they should consider the situational factors such as, who are the students and what do you want your student to achieve at the end of the course.
I would first get the students excited about the assignment and engage them with supplemental materials that would let them know about the upcoming assignment. It's important to get students excited about an assignment first.
Carol,
Yes, try to not ask a closed end question (yes or no) which will force the student to think a little bit more deeply.
Renee Shaffer
I find it hard to expand on critical thinking questions in assignments that are looking for a yes or no answer. Instead of asking whether the students think something is right or wrong, possible or not possible, correct or incorrect, I would start by asking how students would address a particular issue or scenario they might find in the real world. If they don't know how to come up with an answer to a particular problem they might encounter in the job place, where would they go to find the answer? Or who would they talk to about how to handle a particular ethical issue that might come up in the subject we are discussing that week. I have also given students the opportunity to create an example for themselves and then give the answers to the scenario based on the subject matter we are studying that week.
Amy,
We instructors often strive to make all subjects relevant and sometimes that is harder than others. Just keep up the good work!
Renee Shaffer
I agree! - If the topic is not relevant to the student or the students career, there is a good chance that it will hold no value for the student, and thus, the student will not want to engage in the activity. I face this with a module we have at the school I teach. The students are constantly resisting this particular subject because they feel it is a waste of their time. I try to show them where these topics will have value to them later in their courses and in their lives.
My first plan of action would be to select a topic that will engage all students as well as provide relevance to the careers they are pursuing. The assignment will allow the student to reflect on what experiences they currently have as well as what experiences they would like to have. The experience they would like to have will come through the researching of the topic.
Shundra Mosby
Hi Mrs. Shaffer
My first plan of action in making a critical thinking assignments is to incorporate several group activity during the course, student love group activity than just listen the teacher lecture, group activity encourage creativity, communication and critical thinking
Eric Andre
Certainly some steps to be taken would include:
Is the question at issue well stated, clear and unbiased?
Does the question do justice to the complexity of the issue? 

Does the writer cite relevant evidence, experiences, and/or information?
Does the writer clarify key concepts when necessary? 

In this way, the assignment should engage the learner in applying critical thinking.
