Critical Thinking
NETS Standard: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
- Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
- Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project
- Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
- Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions
Activities that Foster Critical Thinking:
As a social studies teacher, I had students "do history" by participating in the Chicago History Fair.
"Through History Fair, students not only become historians; they also become better citizens. In conducting research, they extend the walls of the classroom into the community by visiting historical and cultural institutions, sites, and interviewing people who are experts or participants in a historic event. In studying the history of their community, they learn how decisions are made in the social, cultural, economic, and political realms that affect their lives."
Critical thinking is thinking that assesses itself. To the extent that students need us to tell them how well they are doing, they are not thinking critically. As a classroom teacher, I asked students to assess their own classroom participation and progress they made toward learning targets throughout a unit of study. This promoted critical thinking, reflection, self assessment and self directed learning in students.
"Through History Fair, students not only become historians; they also become better citizens. In conducting research, they extend the walls of the classroom into the community by visiting historical and cultural institutions, sites, and interviewing people who are experts or participants in a historic event. In studying the history of their community, they learn how decisions are made in the social, cultural, economic, and political realms that affect their lives."
- The Chicago Metro History Education Center
History fair developed in students an ability to write and think critically as well as interpret and analyze a variety of texts and media. Students entered into the project with different levels of critical thinking readiness. I utilized Google Sites, Calendar, Forms, Docs, Slides, and Youtube to assist all students in developing the critical thinking skills necessary for such a project.
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Critical thinking is thinking that assesses itself. To the extent that students need us to tell them how well they are doing, they are not thinking critically. As a classroom teacher, I asked students to assess their own classroom participation and progress they made toward learning targets throughout a unit of study. This promoted critical thinking, reflection, self assessment and self directed learning in students.
Creativity
NETS Standard: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
- Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
- Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
- Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
- Identify trends and forecast possibilities
Activities that Foster Creativity:
As a classroom teacher, I created lessons around specific learning goals, but offered student voice and choice in how to demonstrate mastery to promote creativity and critical thinking skills.
Collaboration
NETS Standard: Students use digital media and environments to work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.- Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
- Contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems
Activities that Foster Collaboration:
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In school, students are often put into groups and asked to collaborate without ever being taught how to work together. I worked with a co-teacher to gamify a course using Classcraft. In Classcraft, all team members benefit from cooperative efforts and learn to consider the needs of others before they take actions in the game. It also encouraged students who might not normally socialize to work together.Communication
NETS Standard: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.- Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats
- Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures
Activities that Foster Communication:
Technology can “open the portal” of the classroom and connect teachers and students to the outside world. I have promoted the use of Skype and Google Hangouts to connect staff and students with experts from all over the world.
- Skype Opens the World for BHS Students
- Google Apps for Education with Sunny Hill Elementary School
- GEG CHI HOA - Google Apps and Extensions
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As a classroom teacher, I extended the walls of the classroom into the community by encouraging my students to visit historical and cultural institutions. Below is an interview several of my students conducted of Heather Wickens the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Program Coordinator.
