Strategies to Develop Critical Thinking

Neurologist and teacher, Judy Willis M.D. shares brain-based strategies to make the shift toward critical appraisal of learning and assessment.  She explains that the shift will not eliminate the need for automaticity (as in basic math facts) and other foundational skills.  She lists important Executive Functions (EFs) and explains how teachers can use them.  The EFs are...

1. Supporting Opinions
2. Prioritizing
3. Evaluation of Motive or Intent
4. Organizing Time, Thought and Actions
5. Cognitive Flexibility and Supporting Opinions
6. Interpreting Source Bias or Accuracy

This is an excellent article and will help all our Title I teachers with this shift to Common Core expectations.  Also a great article to share with classroom teachers.

Beyond the Comfort Zone:  6 Ways to Build Independent Thinking.  Judy Willis MD. 1.10.14.  edutopia
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/beyond-comfort-zone-independent-thinking-judy-willis

Tips on Teaching Critical Thinking

Karen McDaniels examines three areas that will help teachers better prepare students to think critically.  Excellent and worth your time. 

• Taking On Complex Text
• The Art of Questioning
• Learning Conversations

I notice that technology is not listed in this article.  How might you incorporate digital learning in your lesson plans that foster critical thinking?


Enlightening Minds - Preparing Critical Thinkers for Life After High School. Karen McDaniels 6.7.12.Vol 7 Iss.18. ASCD Express
http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol7/718-mcdaniels.aspx