Critical Thinking is one of the 4 C's, which also includes collaboration, creativity, and communication. These are some of the most important skills we can teach children outside of content knowledge. How can critical thinking be taught? Exposing kids to controversy in a safe environment can stretch kids minds and cause them to consider multiple perspectives.
Class Debates are one of the most important components of social studies in 5th grade. Debates are a very effective way to engage students in a new topic. The debate proposition is connected to the connect that we are studying. Students first respond to the proposition silently in writing. This helps students to flesh out their perspective without influence from others. Next students move to different parts of the room depending on whether they agree, disagree, or are neutral. Each of these groups takes a minute to talk. Next, each group has one group member share a brief statement to explain their perspective. All students are encouraged to change groups whenever they feel swayed by what someone else has said. After each group has shared, the groups have another minute to huddle up and talk. The process then repeats itself several more times. I am careful to not sway debates with my own views; however, if one of the perspectives (agree, disagree, or neutral) has no students at any point in the debate, then I fill in and present an argument from that perspective. Sometimes, I'll also throw in a new piece of information in the middle of the debate to further challenge the students. It is not uncommon for most students to have been at all three perspectives at one point or another in the course of the debate. Through the debate process, students are encouraged to critically think about their own beliefs and morals, listen to others, consider other opinions, and be willing to be wrong. These are incredibly important skills not just for social studies, but for life. Check out the pictures below. Do you agree or disagree with the proposition in the photo??? Comments are closed.
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Elizabeth FerryMs. Ferry's experiences include teaching with the Peace Corps in Tanzania, teaching high school English in Maine, and this is her second year at PNA. She loves moose, outdoor activities, and being with her students. Archives
April 2021
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