Critical thinking requires work. It’s not just a school day event to set aside when we’re on vacation or at home. It’s imperative that we stretch ourselves and students to move beyond the basics if we want to increase rigor in our thinking. Plus, moving beyond who, what, and where takes us to why and how; more interesting questions and thoughts.
Scientific thought assembles a series of skills that work well across the curriculum. All students begin with observation skills (using their senses), before moving on to comparing and contrasting. Next they learn to organize their thinking, understand relationships, apply new information and then predict outcomes.
Primary students need lots of time with observation. That skill develops over their first school years. Many are ready to add on skills in comparison. Older students need to understand observation before moving on to the more complex skills. They may cover several levels of thinking in a shorter period of time, but they need to build up from using their observation skills. Throughout the years they will spiral back through the steps whenever they apply thinking skills thereby creating a comprehensive approach.
Step in and get dizzy with us! Joining in the spiral of thinking is for everyone who wants to grow and learn. For a great text on thinking skills, check out How to Teach Higher Level Thinking Skills Within the Common Core (Bellanca, Fogarty, Pete). It’s filled with practical ideas and gives you a chance to see the Common Core at work.