What have I told you about thinking?
I have been reading about critical thinking skills in preparation for the summer workshops and one of the more intriging discussions is centered on at what age does the critical thinking process begin and at what age is it developmental approriate to assume that students are ready to think critically.
My problem is this..I think that we are underestimating the ability of our students to become critical thinkers. If you have ever watched a child play a video game, it becomes obvious that multiple decisions are required of the player each with its own set of consequences. Decisions about what tool (read weapon) is needed, the skills of the opposing character, knowledge of the environment of the virtual world are required in order to move to the next level in the game. These are critical thinking skills. Students are naturally curious and somehow we need to capture and channel that curiosity into learning.
As you are reading/working with students your attitude towards learning will determine how comfortable/free the students will be in thinking ‘outside the box’. Many people joke about how thinking can get you into trouble, that employers don’t want you to think, just to do.. but what is one of the critical qualities they look for in new hires…the ability to think and solve problems. It is a conumdrum for which I don’t have an answer.
Frequently we are reluctant to allow students free thinking because it takes time away from the task at hand. But I wonder, if we gave them opportunities to think, would they learn more?
Your thoughts???
