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.

  • Using Rubik’s Cubes to Teach Math

    A high school math teacher designed hands-on learning experiences and fostered deep engagement with Rubik’s Cubes.
    Dan Van der Vieren

  • 60-Second Strategy: TAG Feedback

    This quick exercise scaffolds peer critique for elementary students.

  • Increasing the Value of Graphic Organizers

    The visual guides work best when learning goals drive the design and students are engaged in their creation.
    Mark Wise, Carl Cooper

  • Scaffolding Discussion Skills With a Socratic Circle

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

  • 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.
    Douglas Fisher

  • Talking Politics: Valuing Different Perspectives

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

  • Establishing a Culture of Questioning

    When students consistently ask meaningful questions, they get comfortable taking the risks that lead to learning.
    Kasey Short

  • 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.
    Todd Finley

  • Birmingham Covington: Building a Student-Centered School

    Educators take on the role of guides and motivate students to direct their own learning.
    Holly Korbey

  • Extending the Silence

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

  • 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.
    Julie Coiro

  • 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.

  • The Art of Reflection

    Portfolios allow students to regularly reflect on their learning process—deepening their connection to content.
    Beth Holland

  • 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.
    Donna Wilson and Marcus Conyers

  • Resources and Downloads to Facilitate Inquiry-Based Learning

    Find information, strategies, protocols, and tools to promote curiosity and engage students in asking questions, thinking critically, and solving problems.