George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia

Critical Thinking

Whether via classroom discussions, analysis of written text, higher-order questioning, or other strategies, learn and share ways to help students go deeper with their thinking.

  • Formative Assessment

    60-Second Strategy: TAG Feedback

    This quick exercise scaffolds peer critique for elementary students.
  • Critical Thinking

    Increasing the Value of Graphic Organizers

    The visual guides work best when learning goals drive the design and students are engaged in their creation.
  • Literacy

    Getting Creative About Critical Writing

    Creative writing strategies can be useful tools in developing critical writing abilities.
  • Communication Skills

    Scaffolding Discussion Skills With a Socratic Circle

    Students deepen their understanding and build a sense of community by engaging with their peers’ reasoned arguments.
  • Critical Thinking

    Establishing a Culture of Questioning

    When students consistently ask meaningful questions, they get comfortable taking the risks that lead to learning.
  • Critical Thinking

    Talking Politics: Valuing Different Perspectives

    Students learn how to share and listen to opposing beliefs with empathy.
  • Literacy

    Questioning That Deepens Comprehension

    Scaffold students’ thinking about complex texts by asking what the text says, how it works, what it means, and what it inspires them to do.
  • Critical Thinking

    Generating Effective Questions

    Four ways to come up with questions that guide students to engage deeply with class content. Plus: a pop quiz for you.
  • Trading Places

    Birmingham Covington: Building a Student-Centered School

    Educators take on the role of guides and motivate students to direct their own learning.
  • Differentiated Instruction

    Extending the Silence

    Giving students several seconds to think after asking a question—and up to two minutes for some questions—improves their learning.
  • Media Literacy

    Teaching Adolescents How to Evaluate the Quality of Online Information

    Use these strategies to help middle and high school students identify relevance, accuracy, bias, and reliability in the content they read.
  • Interest-Based Learning

    Thinkering Studio: Supporting Self-Directed Learning

    Watch students take charge of their project-based learning, by creating their own learning goals and identifying resources beyond their teacher.
  • Critical Thinking

    The Art of Reflection

    Portfolios allow students to regularly reflect on their learning process—deepening their connection to content.
  • Critical Thinking

    Overcoming Obstacles to Critical Thinking

    The ability to think critically will benefit students throughout their lives. Here are a few tips on how to get started teaching it.
  • Brain-Based Learning

    The Teenage Brain Is Wired to Learn—So Make Sure Your Students Know It

    Thanks to the wonders of neuroplasticity, adolescents are primed to improve their performance in school—and beyond. Here’s how to help.