Questions, Questions, Questions - Teaching Critical Thinking (CMA)

Description: What is critical thinking? Why do we thing our students need it? Assuming we can all agree on the answers to those questions, how do we teach it? In this combination of face-to-face workshop and on-line support, participants will clarify their definitions of critical thinking. We will examine our own assumptions about our students, identify areas we believe they lack critical thinking as well as areas where they possess it in large measure. We will examine where and how critical thinking can be “taught.” We will examine model lesson plans which teachers will be able to use or adapt for their classrooms, as well as resources for finding others. We will also discuss, classify, and practice the kinds of questioning that can be woven into daily practice to increase students’ depth of thought. To encourage participants to use and share their experiences with the techniques and activities presented, the workshop will be followed by on-line support.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

· Name at least three critical thinking skills important to their students

· Identify commonly found strengths and weaknesses in these skills among their students

· Describe at least three methods of teaching critical skills to your students

· Analyze lesson plans to include critical thinking skill

· Form questions that encourage critical thinking in daily classroom practice