Critical Thinking Define Critical Thinking Critical thinking is

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Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

Define Critical Thinking… • "Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to

Define Critical Thinking… • "Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad indepth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately. “ • The Critical Thinking Co. ™

3 Types of Questions: • 1) Locating Facts • Find / remember the one

3 Types of Questions: • 1) Locating Facts • Find / remember the one answer • Reports on a source of evidence (why did this happen? ) • 2) Describing Feelings/Opinions • • Personal statements / preferences No wrong answer Requires introspection Explains feelings • 3) Making Assessments (critical thinking) • Answer takes thought • Criteria used to render judgement • More than one plausible answer, but some answers are implausible/wrong

Can you think of 3 Questions?

Can you think of 3 Questions?

Can you think of 3 questions?

Can you think of 3 questions?

The Essential Component: Criteria • Criteria can be generated by the teacher or the

The Essential Component: Criteria • Criteria can be generated by the teacher or the students Criteria for Criteria 1) Manageable in Number (depends on grade and level) 2) Represent the most Important / Relevant Considerations (brainstorming and culling needed) When Generating Criteria: *Consider the purpose – what is it you want the students do succeed in doing? *Think of specific samples of poor/exceptional sample answers – what do you want? What don’t you want? - Share with the students (exemplars)

How can we engage students? • Challenge: the Senior student who says, “Just tell

How can we engage students? • Challenge: the Senior student who says, “Just tell me what to write down. ” Example: How to encourage critical thinking while note-taking: -Put 10 statements on the board. Tell the students that when the lesson is done, they need to have the 7 most important statements in their notes. *Students have to think as they listen/watch/learn *Students have to establish and use criteria to judge what is “important” -some students will need guidance -some students will find it helpful if you tell them 3 statements are untrue. When they have the 7 true statements, you then enrich the activity by asking them to rank-order the remaining 7…

6 Types of Critical Thinking Questions • 1) Critique the piece: students assess merits/shortcomings

6 Types of Critical Thinking Questions • 1) Critique the piece: students assess merits/shortcomings • 2) Judge the better/best: students judge which option best meets identified criteria • 3) Rework the piece: students transform a product when given additional information • 4) Decode the puzzle: students suggest and justify a solution / explanation / interpretation to a confusing situation • 5) Design to Specs: students design a product that meets given criteria • 6) Perform to Specs: students perform an action that meets given criteria

Can you match the examples? • A) Should you move your family to India

Can you match the examples? • A) Should you move your family to India or Senegal? • B) If “Move” had been from a female perspective, what might it look like? • C) Create a set of 5 test questions that are clear, manageable, and require more than recall information. • D) Reduce your family’s carbon footprint. • E) How should we reduce Canada’s carbon footprint? • F) Does the textbook provide a fair account of the Oil Sands projects?