why critical thinking

Dr. Hasan Bedirhsnbedir@gmail.com

Why to teach Critical Thinking Skills

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

--Alvin Toffler, American writer and futurist (1928- )

“This is a story about the big public conversation the nation is not having about education… whether an entire generation of kids will fail to make the grade in the global economy because they can’t think their way through abstract problems, work in teams, distinguish good formation from bad, or speak a language other than English.”How to Build a Student for the 21st Century, TIME Magazine, December 18, 2006

Overview

20th Century 21st Century

1 – 2 Jobs 10 – 15 Jobs

Critical Thinking Across Disciplines

Integration of 21st

Century Skills intoSubject Matter Mastery

Mastery ofOne Field

SubjectMatterMastery

Number ofJobs:

JobRequirement:

Teaching Model:

SubjectMatterMastery

Integration of 21st

Century Skills intoSubject MatterMastery

Assessment Model:

Why 21st Century Skills?

Every student in your school or district must be:

• A critical thinker• A problem solver• An innovator• An effective communicator• An effective collaborator• A self-directed learner• Information and media literate• Globally aware• Civically engaged• Financially and economically literate

Why are 21st Century Skills so Important?

5 Reasons

1. Turkish students must compete in a new global economy.

Why 21st Century Skills?

2. Turkey should not fall behind.

21st Century Skills?

3. The nature of work is changing.

Why 21st Century Skills?

Why 21st Century Skills?

4. The requirements of the 21st Century work force are changing.

21st Century Skills?

5. We need to prepare our students to be effective 21st Century citizens.

What is the Framework for 21st Century Skills?

Overview

20th Century Education Model

21st Century Skills Framework

21st Century Skills Framework

- English- Reading or Language Arts- Mathematics- Science- Foreign Languages- Civics

- Government- Economics- Arts- History- Geography

Core Subjects

21st Century Skills Framework

Thinking and Learning Skills

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills• Creativity & Innovation Skills• Communication & Information Skills• Collaboration Skills

21st Century Skills Framework

ICT Literacy

Information and communications technology (ICT) literacy is the ability to use technology to accomplish thinking and learning skills:

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills

• Creativity & Innovation Skills

• Communication & Information Skills

• Collaboration Skills

21st Century Skills Framework

Life Skills

• Leadership• Ethics• Accountability• Adaptability• Personal Productivity• Personal Responsibility• People Skills• Self Direction• Social Responsibility

21st Century Skills Framework

21st Century Content

• Global Awareness• Financial, Economic, Business and

Entrepreneurship Literacy• Civic Literacy• Health & Wellness Awareness

21st Century Skills Framework

These 21st Century Skills should become the new “design specs” for 21st Century education.

21st Century Skills Framework

Conclusion

“There is remarkable consensus among educators and business and policy leaders on one key conclusion: we need to bring what we teach and how we teach into the 21st century.”TIME Magazine, December 18, 2006

Every student in your school or district must be:

• A critical thinker• A problem solver• An innovator• An effective communicator• An effective collaborator• A self-directed learner• Information and media literate• Globally aware• Civically engaged• Financially and economically literate

Conclusion

These skills should become the “design specs” of a 21st Century education in your school or district.

Conclusion

What is critical thinking?

What is critical thinking?

“The use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desired outcome.”

Halpern, 1996

What is critical thinking?

The formation of logical inferences.

Stahl and Stahl (1991)

Deciding what action to take or what to believe through reasonable reflective thinking.

Ennis (1991)

What is critical thinking?

Reasoned, purposive, and reflective thinking used to make decisions, solve problems, and master concepts.

Rudd, 2002

Information / Facts / Data

DataInterpretation

Concepts /Theories

Points of View

Assumptions

Conclusions / Implications /Consequences

Paul, 1995

Critical thinking skills Facione, 1990

• Interpretation• Analysis • Evaluation• Inference• Explanation • Self-regulation

Creating a thinking environment

Fundamental and Powerful Concepts

• Select a course that you teach.• Identify three - four fundamental and

powerful concepts that are the underpinnings of the course.

• Do these match what is emphasized in your course syllabus?

• How can I teach my course to foster a deep understanding of these concepts?

Thank you for your attention

Questions?