About the
Institute:

Critical Thinking Institute

April 22-23, 2010


Purpose

A Critical Thinking Institute provides an opportunity for faculty to learn how to integrate critical thinking into the learning and teaching process. The cognitive processes of thinking are analyzed during reading, learning and problem solving. Therefore, the design and facilitation of active learning allows for an emphasis on critical thinking development. During this institute, participants will explore these issues and relationships from multiple perspectives.
Learning Outcomes

The institute will provide strategies, techniques, and tools which will help participants learn how to:

  • Integrate a stronger critical thinking component into student learning process (role of critical thinking in reading and learning)

  • Develop an understanding of an instructional design process that supports active learning, critical thinking, and assessment.

  • Write critical thinking questions at three levels – directed, convergent, and divergent – for optimal active learning

  • Assess students responses to critical thinking questions during activities and determine strategies for bringing closure which includes a strong level of understanding

  • Ask key questions during facilitation when students ask you questions

  • Develop key critical thinking skills in the problem solving process

Sample Institute Activities

Day 1

  • Role of critical thinking in class preparation using the reading log and reading methodology

  • Role of critical thinking in the Learning Process Methodology for producing comprehension and understanding

  • Role of critical thinking in the Problem Solving Methodology for producing clear problem statements and identification of key issues and assumptions

  • Designing critical thinking questions into activities

Day 2

  • Designing an activity with quality critical thinking questions

  • Facilitating an activity with critical thinking questions

  • Assessing the students answers to critical thinking questions

  • Strengthening critical thinking skills during a facilitation.