Critical+Thinking

Currently I do try to incorporate most of the skills the author presents in my classrooms.

Critical Thinking and Problem solving : I routinely ask compare and contrast questions on exams. This forces students to "think" and not simply regurgitate answers. I also require them to evaluate labs in their reports and suggest ways to improve the learning experience of each lab. The computers, microscopes and other lab equipment are vital to this. These tools need to be present for the students to use in solving the problems given.

Effective Oral and Written Communication : Lab reports must be written out as do Essay questions on every exam. The students are required to use proper grammar and punctuation. I could use a blog to further enhance this skill, if I find one that is not blocked in the school.

Accessing and Analyzing Information : I assign reports and assignments that require internet searching for information, the students must filter through all of the garbage and decide which information if the most relevant for them then use it. Lab results must be analyzed and accepted or rejected based on knowledge the students already have. The internet and Computers are essential for students to search for the information they need.

Curiosity and Imagination : I assign topics from time to time and leave it up to the student what they do with it. They can create a project in any form as long as they explore the topic fully. The computers and software applications available for the students use allows this to be possible.

It is my opinion that most teachers are doing the best job they can with the "hand they have been dealt". The accessability of resources, the reliability of technology, the attitudes of parents, students and administrators. And let us not forget the all important standardized tests that we here in PA live and die upon. I think the author was a bit too critical of teachers. Do not judge until you have walked a mile in our shoes.

Most of my peers mostly agreed that we as public educators get both the wheat and the chaff. It is making the most of what we have that matters, not thinking about what we could do in a perfect world.