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.
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.
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.
Trading Places
Birmingham Covington: Building a Student-Centered School
Educators take on the role of guides and motivate students to direct their own 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.
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.
Critical Thinking
The Art of Reflection
Portfolios allow students to regularly reflect on their learning process—deepening their connection to content.
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
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.