George Lucas Educational Foundation

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.

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  • How Students Can Rethink Problem Solving

    Finding, shaping, and solving problems puts high school students in charge of their learning and bolsters critical-thinking skills.
    Sunaina Sharma
    105
  • Using Picture Books to Teach Children About Large Numbers

    These strategies help elementary students grapple with the very large numbers involved in talking about time and space.
  • Exploring Before Explaining Sparks Learning

    New elementary science teachers can build student engagement and enhance learning by using the explore-before-explain approach.
  • 9 Tips for Using AI for Learning (and Fun!)

    These innovative, AI-driven activities will help you engage students across grade levels and subject areas.
    5
    2k
  • A Collaborative Approach to Mistake Analysis

    This method calls for students working in groups to create problems, point out common errors, find solutions, and then explain the process.
    4.6k
  • Making a Math Lesson More Hands-On

    When teachers provide opportunities for students to construct figures and play with dimensions while exploring geometry, math becomes more accessible to everyone.
    3.5k
  • Shifting From Linear Learning to a Spiral Approach in Science

    Repeated exposure to important concepts helps students retain more information and think deeper about the material they’re studying.
    4
    644
  • Guiding Students to Develop Futures Literacy

    These engaging resources can help students learn that the future isn’t set in stone—so what they do today matters.
    1
    165
  • Building Better Readers With Scaffolded Read Alouds

    By reading books out loud every day, teachers introduce students to higher-level texts and new vocabulary, while modeling deeper thinking and strong discussion skills.
    455
  • 5 Ways to Stop Thinking for Your Students

    Too often math students lean on teachers to think for them, but there are some simple ways to guide them to think for themselves.
    5k
  • Team Quizzes: A Low-Risk, High-Yield Strategy

    Quizzes in small groups can be a low-risk, high-yield learning strategy that also fosters collaboration skills in high school students.
    2
    547
  • Guiding Students to Know When to Skim and When to Focus

    Students need explicit instruction on the benefits of skimming material and when this method is insufficient.
    3
    494
  • The Power of One Good Math Question

    By focusing on authentic moments of inquiry, elementary students engage in critical thinking in math class.
    3
    382
  • Dispelling the Myth of ‘Bad’ Writers

    Teachers can create safe learning environments where students develop confidence in their writing abilities and feel more comfortable sharing their work.
    1
    222
  • Teacher writing on whiteboard.

    Using Morning Messages to Start the Day in Distance Learning

    The morning message is a popular way to help elementary students transition into school—and it can be adapted for home learning.
    15.9k

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George Lucas Educational Foundation

Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.
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