Guest columnist
I started teaching middle school students in 1995. The school was private, with a strong governing association, so there was some discretion regarding what and how things were taught. My main subject was social studies, specifically American history. I noticed that the term “critical thinking” was sprinkled about the textbook we were using, but the term was never actually defined.
Our textbook offered critical thinking questions that seemed easily answered by reciting the facts disclosed in each chapter. Surely this exercise required no more than rereading the book.
My interest in critical thinking was piqued and I began to do some research. It seemed that a definition was in order, so I looked for it. There are many published definitions for this process, but I will try to provide a simple, workable, universal definition: Critical thinking is the ability to recognize problems and arrive at solutions. One might also cite decision-making using a set of discrete skills that critical thinkers employ.
Let’s try a real-world example to show the process of making a decision or solving a problem using critical thinking skills. Your current apartment building is being converted to condominiums and you are not interested. Your child is approaching school age and you would like to own a home instead of renting. Looks like it’s time to go house hunting.
Start by asking what is most important to your family as you search for your new home. Do you want a particular part...
Who: Plaintiff John Gay filed a class action lawsuit against SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Inc. Why: Gay claims SeaWorld sent emails that contained misleading subject lines to Washington r...