Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

In this workshop, four panelists will answer questions about promoting critical thinking in the classroom and share tips that have helped their students actively reason. Each panelist will have ten minutes to talk and will be asked to answer the questions below. Following the discussion, the audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Questions:

1. Challenging students to think logically and independently is not an easy task. Can you give an example in which a lecture, assignment, or some other activity was designed in a way that you felt truly encouraged students to reflect on the material at hand?
2. In your opinion, what are the most effective ways of holding a review session or moderating a classroom discussion to promote critical thinking?
3. Do you have any advice for evaluating whether you’re achieving your goal of promoting critical thought?
4. Are there any tips or best practices you’ve learned along the way that have helped your students actively reason?

Learning Goals

After successfully completing this workshop you will be able to:

• identify various techniques employed to stimulate purposeful reflection in and out of the classroom.