Model Critical Thinking
Faculty modeled a critical thinking process.
About
Bucknell faculty believe that modeling complex thinking processes is an excellent way to show students discipline specific and time-honored practices. By using authentic problems, faculty can show their own practice, share some of their mistakes, and make problem solving less mysterious. They also strongly suggest that students be provided opportunities to practice these skills on their own, and work to internalize the processes, and that faculty are careful not to
turn the modeling into just more lecture.
The original study's data and analysis for "Model Critical Thinking" can be found on this link.
What Faculty Have To Say
Strengths (7)
- Makes intellectual processes and practices explicit
- Provides guidance in problem solving
- Can show “right” or “expert” ways
- Shows how to learn from mistakes
- Explains how to apply in the real world
- Students can “shadow” the model process by practicing it
- Helps with both conceptual and complex problems
Weaknesses (6)
- They need to do it themselves, not just see it
- Students often just copy-cat the activity without internalizing the process
- Some of the processes are complex or subtle, and have a steep learning curve
- Because it is faculty talking, it can become another version of passive lecturing
- Time consuming
- Hard to get the pace right
Pedagogy Usage
Bucknell faculty was asked their best estimate for how often in the semester they used Model Critical Thinking and the average class time it took.
Average Duration: 23 min (mode=10)
Remote Suggestions
Many of the same choices are available, just moved to online: * close reading of texts * annotation practice * unpacking an argument * diagramming a process * using sample texts with annotations
Resources for Additional Learning
Articles & Books
- Developing Reflective Judgment: Understanding and Promoting Intellectual Growth and Critical Thinking in Adolescents and Adults by Patricia M. King and Karen Strohm Kitchener.
- Engaging ideas: The professor's guide to integrating writing, critical thinking, and active learning in the classroom. JC Bean - 2011.
- A taxonomy of critical thinking dispositions and abilities. Teaching thinking skills: Theory and practice. Ennis, Robert H., Baron, Joan Boykoff, Sternberg, Robert J.