Learning How To Think Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the English Classroom Presented by Helen Heinrich, PCV

What is Critical Thinking? Definition: From Critical thinking is that mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her knowledge by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing information. Ask, Think, Create

For Example Context Clues – Language learning Process of elimination – tests Summarizing and synthesizing information – Reading comprehension – Prepare for university Problem Solving

I want YOU To think critically!

Context Clues: find the meaning without a dictionary

Context Clues "Seems to know as much about the inside of my kitchen as I do myself!" thought Mr. Baggins, who was feeling positively flummoxed, and beginning to wonder if a most wretched adventure had not come into his house. - Adapted from“Chapter 1:An Unexpected party,”from The Hobbit, By J.R.R. Tolkein Flummoxed most likely means:

talks-hobbit Flummoxed: (adj) very confused

How to Practice Practice questions Meaningful sentences ● Bad: Bilbo was flummoxed. ● Also Bad: “Flummoxed” means very confused. ● Good: She was so flummoxed by his unusual behavior, she could not speak. Your turn: Use “strong” in a meaningful sentence.

Multiple Choice: “When you have eliminated the impossible...”

Multiple Choice A. wake up B. woke up C. was put to sleep D. was awoken I ___________ very early yesterday morning by a loud noise.

Elimination A. wake up B. woke up C. was put to sleep D. was awoken Wrong Tense Wrong Voice, right verb Not Logical, right voice I ___________ very early yesterday morning by a loud noise.

Which Is different? Why?

Summary and Synthesis

Summarize, don't plagiarize! Answer Wh questions about the text Who/what is it about? Where/when did it take place? How did it happen? Find the main point the moral of the story The news item The theme of the poem

Synthesis Why does the text matter? Personal opinion Compare and contrast with other ideas/texts Retell the story, or make up your own

Let's Practice! What is happening? Why might this be funny? Write three sentences about what happens next.

Mistakes are made.. Mistakes are for learning. Ask why the incorrect answer was given. Go through the process again. Indicate that a mistake was made, but make them find the correct answer. – Ex: red = spelling, blue = article, circle = missing word, etc

Let's Sum Up! True of False: Critical Thinking is not important for English teachers. Critical thinking is a.) a rock band, b.)a process of selecting the right answer c.)really difficult to teach Guess the riddle: The greatest computer you will ever know, you carry me with you where ever you go

For More Information: More on Critical thinking: concept-of-critical-thinking/411 The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien, 1934 Test Preparation: nglish_toefl.htm nglish_toefl.htm Brain Teasers: My