Critical Thinking Reflection Essay
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Sam Houston State University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
5360
Subject
Aerospace Engineering
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by YouAreWelcome555
1
Critical Thinking Reflection: Enhancing Classroom Practices
Sam Houston State University
CIED 5360: Advanced Techniques and Methods of Instruction
Dr. Mae Lane
September 11, 2023
2
Critical Thinking Reflection: Enhancing Classroom Practices
Critical thinking is an indispensable skill that empowers students to navigate the
complexities of the modern world. In the classroom, it is crucial to employ effective strategies
that cultivate critical thinking skills among students. This reflection delves into the strategies
presented in the article “Helping Students Hone Their Critical Thinking Skills” by Nicholas
Provenzano (2023) on the George Lucas Educational Foundation website. The article discusses
practical approaches for educators to guide students in developing essential critical thinking
skills. This reflection explores the strategies proposed in the article, connects them to my
teaching context, and integrates insights from scholarly readings to enhance classroom practices.
Summary of the Strategies
Provenzano (2023) outlines several strategies to foster critical thinking in students. These
strategies include encouraging metacognitive reflection, teaching reasoning skills, posing open-
ended questions, promoting information literacy, incorporating diverse perspectives, and
integrating consistent practice. Metacognitive reflection involves encouraging students to
question their assumptions, promoting a deeper understanding of their ideas. Teaching reasoning
skills equips students with the ability to evaluate evidence and analyze arguments, enabling them
to make informed decisions. Open-ended questions stimulate thoughtful responses, while
information literacy empowers students to discern credible sources in an era of information
overload. Instructors integrate diverse perspectives to prevent classroom echo chambers, and
consistent practice reinforces these critical thinking habits.
Reflection and Connections to Teaching
3
The strategies presented perfectly match my teaching approach at Stafford High School.
In literature analysis, open-ended questions can prompt students to explore characters’
motivations and evaluate the credibility of narrative events. Information literacy is invaluable
when researching authors’ backgrounds and contextualizing literary works. Additionally,
integrating diverse perspectives can enrich discussions on various themes presented in the
literature. For instance, studying different cultural perspectives in Shakespeare’s plays deepens
students’ understanding of the text.
Integration of Scholarly Readings
These strategies resonate with the works of Jenkins et al. (2009) and Clark and Mayer
(2016). Jenkins emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse media to foster critical
media literacy, aligning with incorporating diverse perspectives (Jenkins et al., 2009). Clark and
Mayer (2016) underscore the significance of reasoning skills, emphasizing the need to present
information logically and evaluate evidence, which correlates with teaching reasoning skills
(Clark & Mayer, 2016).
The strategies outlined in Provenzano’s article offer valuable insights into cultivating
critical thinking skills in the classroom. By integrating these strategies into my teaching
practices, I aim to create an environment where students can critically analyze literature, assess
information, and appreciate diverse perspectives. This reflective process underscores the
necessity of consistent application and adaptability, emphasizing the vital role of critical thinking
in shaping well-informed individuals.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
References
Provenzano, N. (2023, March 23).
Helping students hone their critical thinking skills
. Edutopia.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/teaching-critical-thinking-middle-high-school/
Jenkins, H. (2009).
Confronting the challenges of participatory culture.
The MIT Press.
https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/8435.001.0001
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016).
E-learning and science of instruction: Proven guidelines
for consumers and designers of multimedia learning
(4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.