Critical thinking and problem solving are great tools in student education.
I look forward to continuing to learn more about how I can implement these practices into my own classroom.
This module was a effective introduction to some of the theory and methods for encouraging critical thinking in students. I appreciated the specific suggestions for the use of group based work, collaborative/cooperative learning, and problem based learning. The suggestions in these sections provide concrete mechanisms for building critical thinking into a course. Based on these suggestions I have already begun to construct critical thinking exercises for my course.
I have learned about the importance and need for critical thinking in my classroom. Students do not need to just memorize facts and complete assignments. Students need to learn how to critically think through each problem and exercise. Theses skills will help them be successful in their lives and careers.
Student engagement is absolutely critical to the success of the student, however, every class has a know-it-all or "Class Clown" whose purpose is to upstage the instructor and gain the acceptance of peers as the recognized leader above and beyond the subject matter expert.
Being a teacher is a noble profession, however, strategies must be inclusive as to disrupting the disruptor without costing the teacher credibility.
Critical thinking may not be common sense
Collaborative learning in online education involves students working together to explore questions, solve problems, or create products, fostering critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives. Cooperative learning, a subset of collaborative learning, emphasizes structured group work with clear objectives and individual accountability. Online instructors can use various technology tools to create virtual environments for real-time collaboration, encouraging both planned and spontaneous interactions, ultimately aiming to foster critical thinking and higher-order learning as students mature through the course.
Collaborative learning is an educational method in which students work together to explore a significant question, solve a problem, complete a task or create a product. Collaborative learning may occur peer-to-peer (pairs) or small groups. Collaborative learning can be as simple as a think-pair-share in which students discuss a lecture to determine the key points/facts to students creating an APPS to solve a real-world problem. Collaborative activities include activities such as case studies, simulations, role-playing or games that can really help broaden students’ minds and dispel myths, or bring better understanding to their previously held thoughts and ideas. Through collaboration, long-held beliefs and ideas can be shared, scrutinized, accepted or discarded.
Supporting students in gaining critical thinking skills is crucial to helping them succeed in college.
This lesson reiterated the importance of critical thinking skills period wow, critical thinking is Paramount in growing an education too often students feel unprepared for such activities period I want to create a classroom environment in which the students ability to critical think is paramount.
Critical thinking can be supported by discussions.
I have used Problem Based Learning before, but not in an online environment, but a hybrid one. I look forward to learning more about using it online. I believe it is an excellent way to get students involved and also helps with leadership skills.
In order to create a successful online learning environment involves a mix of student-centered active learning along with an instructor developed, cohesive plan of instructional activities.
I understand more about the differences between collaborative, cooperative, and problem-based learning.
This section dove deeper into collaborative and problem-based learning and gave a lot of good ideas on how to incorporate this type of active learning in the classroom.
Critical thinking is a real life skill we can help our students develop. This can be an uncomfortable process for some as this may be a new skill. Group work as well as adequate time for students to assemble their thoughts can ease some of this discomfort.
A well-developed set of Critical Thinking skills builds self-empowerment and confidence. It enables you to efficiently gather knowledge, quickly process information, and intelligently analyze data.
It was good to learn that it is recommended to have a combination of unplanned and planned interactions. Though this would be more natural in a synchronous environment, it may be able to be applied in asynchronous learning environments too.
My take away is its important to promote critical thinking abilities for our students. They need to have the critical thinking skill in the real world to help them in the classroom. I hope I can use the techniques I learned to build critical thinking skills in my class.
Hi everyone;
In my opinion, integrating active learning strategies in the classroom is crucial for enhancing critical thinking among students. Active learning is an educational approach that actively engages students in the learning process through problem-solving, discussions, and collaboration, rather than merely having them passively receive information.
By encouraging students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information through active learning, we help them develop essential critical thinking skills. This approach pushes learners to think beyond surface-level content and fosters the growth of higher-order thinking abilities. Additionally, active learning leads to a deeper understanding of subject matter, empowering students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
In today's rapidly evolving world, critical thinking skills are more important than ever, and active learning serves as an effective way to cultivate these abilities in our students.
Dr. Abreu
