The research on the effectiveness of portfolios, authentic assessments, or performance-based assessments lacks conclusive evidence. While these methods show success in some students, there’s no universal study guiding us on the best fit for each student. Hence, consulting committees in schools bring professionals together to discuss individual student needs. The current school system, designed for one teacher versus many students, isn’t working seamlessly, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in improving their child’s academic performance.
Parents must play a larger role in their child’s development. Relying solely on technology has led to increased student anxiety, lower reading levels, and a struggle for independent thinking. In this article, I’ll delve into a noteworthy research piece from the Journal of College Reading and Learning in Fall 2012. Though dated, its implications on IQ and frontal lobe development endure. The mainstream belief that more reading automatically enhances reading skills doesn’t hold true for a significant portion of students.
The study focuses on critical thinking skills essential for advanced reading. The hypothesis suggests that assessing critical thinking, not reading comprehension skills, can boost a student’s success with higher-level texts. This approach targets the frontal lobe, the critical thinking center, rather than the areas responsible for reading comprehension. While reading comprehension activates the left inferior occipital lobe, associated with visual stimuli processing, the study challenges the conventional wisdom by emphasizing critical thinking skills.
Let’s first start by creating a baseline to determine critical thinking skills.
Characteristics of a Well-Cultivated Critical Thinker
When someone consistently applies the intellectual traits, they become a well-cultivated critical thinker who can:
- Pose Essential Questions: Articulate important questions and problems, expressing them clearly and precisely.
- Collect and Evaluate Information: Gather and evaluate relevant information, employing abstract ideas to interpret it effectively.
- Arrive at Sound Conclusions: Reach well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards.
- Think Open-Mindedly: Explore different systems of thought with an open mind, recognizing and evaluating their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences.
- Effective Communication: Communicate efficiently with others to collaboratively devise solutions to complex problems.
In essence, these traits empower individuals to navigate challenges thoughtfully, approach problem-solving strategically, and communicate effectively with others.
The Elements of Thought..
Absolutely, teaching children about the nuances of academic thinking and communication is crucial. It’s essential for them to understand that the way they converse with friends may not align with the standards expected in a classroom setting with classmates, professors, or teachers. Practicing this distinction helps students navigate different social contexts and fosters a more professional and respectful approach in academic environments. Encouraging them to adapt their communication style appropriately contributes to their overall social and academic development.
When you’re helping your child come up with an answer or think through a problem, try these approaches. Ask them about the facts they know—what’s already there? Encourage them to explore what inferences or conclusions they can draw from those facts. Also, discuss any accepted truths or assumptions (axioms) that need to be considered to make sense of the information.
And don’t worry if this sounds a bit complex! If you ever find yourself unsure or needing more guidance, consider reaching out to a teacher or a professor who can help explain these concepts in simpler terms. They’re there to support you and your child’s learning journey.
The Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework..
Encourage your kids to think deeply about things. Help them take charge of their thoughts and challenge themselves. Teach them to set high standards for their thinking. It’s not just about going through the motions; it’s about actively working to make their thoughts clear, precise, accurate, and fair. Equip them with the skills to approach problems and subjects with a purposeful mindset. When you foster these habits, you’re laying the foundation for your child to excel in school by developing strong critical thinking abilities.
What are Intellectual Traits
The consistent application of the standards of thinking to the elements of thinking leads to the cultivation and development of intellectual traits such as:
- Intellectual Humility
- Intellectual Courage
- Intellectual Empathy
- Intellectual Autonomy
- Intellectual Integrity
- Intellectual Perseverance
- Confidence in Reason
- Fair-mindedness
Questions to ask your student to encourage Intellectual Traits at a young age. This will help gifted students live to their highest potential
Clarity:
- Can you provide more details?
- Can you offer further explanation?
- Can you paint a clearer picture of your point?
Accuracy:
- How can we verify the accuracy of this information?
- What methods can we use to confirm if this is true?
- How can we test the validity of this statement?
Precision:
- Could you offer more specific details?
- Can you provide additional specifics?
- Can you be more exact in your description?
Relevance:
- How does this connect to the issue at hand?
- In what way does this bear on the question?
- How does this contribute to addressing the problem?
Depth:
- What complexities surround this question?
- What factors make this a challenging issue?
- What difficulties must we address in exploring this?
Breadth:
- Should we consider alternative perspectives?
- Is there another point of view we need to contemplate?
- Are there other dimensions we should explore?
Logic:
- Does the entire argument cohesively make sense?
- Does the first paragraph logically flow into the last?
- Does the conclusion align with the presented evidence?
Significance:
- Is this the most crucial problem for consideration?
- Should our focus be primarily on this central idea?
- Which of these facts holds the utmost importance?
Fairness:
- Is my reasoning justifiable within the context?
- Have I taken into account the viewpoints of others?
- Is my purpose fair given the situation?
- Am I using concepts in a manner consistent with educated usage, or am I distorting them to manipulate the outcome?
Conclusion
Taking an active role in guiding your student’s development of critical thinking skills, starting from engaging discussions and extending through their college years, can significantly contribute to academic success. This, in turn, is linked to higher life satisfaction and a reduced likelihood of experiencing episodes of depression during adolescence. Encouraging a thoughtful and inquisitive approach to learning can empower students to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and foster a positive mental and emotional well-being throughout their educational journey.
Research related to this article:
Paul, R. and Elder, L. (2010). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Dillon Beach: Foundation for Critical Thinking Press