Critical Thinking

Learning how to access and manage information, think critically, solve complex problems, and use technology effectively are essential skills for living and working productively in the 21st century. The Creating a Thinking Curriculum Institute is designed to introduce teachers to the methods UES has developed for teaching these skills.

Focusing on the content areas of science and social studies, the goals of the institute include helping teachers to:

• Foster critical thinking and communication among their students
• Address standards and basic skills utilizing authentic learning experiences
• Prepare students to become part of a learning/working community by fostering collaboration
• Teach information literacy skills (e.g., finding, evaluating and using information) in the meaningful context of inquiry/project-based learning
• Integrate technology into instruction through web searching, database construction, concept mapping and the creation of multimedia projects
• Use technology to enhance student productivity and promote creativity

To accomplish these goals, participants are invited to transform a unit of study in social studies or science that employs a traditional approach, where students receive knowledge from the teacher, to an area of focus that uses a constructivist approach, where students are actively engaged in creating their own understanding.

Information: Sharon Sutton, (310) 825-1325.