Encourage critical thinking with 3 questions
Encourage critical thinking with 3 questions
Brian Oshiro
Video linkAbstract
The lecture explores the importance of asking higher-order questions in education to foster critical thinking and creativity among students. It emphasizes the need for teachers to move beyond rote memorization and engage students with 'why' and 'how' questions that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications. The speaker highlights the collective responsibility of educators, parents, and society in promoting critical thinking and suggests practical strategies for integrating deeper questioning into teaching practices. Finally, the lecture underscores the value of creating an environment where risk-taking in learning is encouraged and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth.
Key terms
Higher-Order Questions, Lower-Order Questions, Critical Thinking, Risk-Taking in Learning, Real-World Application
Main Topics
The Role of Questions in Education
Importance of Questioning
- Questions are a tool to engage students, check understanding, and bring textbook material to life.
- Not all questions are created equal; higher-order questions stimulate deeper thinking.
Types of Questions
- Lower-order questions (e.g., 'What are three causes of climate change?') assess basic knowledge.
- Higher-order questions (e.g., 'Why is climate change the biggest crisis facing this generation?') encourage critical thinking and application.
Challenges in Current Teaching Practices
Overuse of Lower-Order Questions
- Observations show that most classroom questions focus on lower-order thinking.
- This approach limits students' ability to connect knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Barriers to Higher-Order Questioning
- Teachers may avoid higher-order questions due to time constraints or fear of overwhelming students.
- Students may hesitate to answer complex questions due to fear of judgment or making mistakes.
Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking
Progression from 'What' to 'Why' to 'How'
- Start with 'what' questions to establish foundational knowledge.
- Transition to 'why' questions to connect knowledge to personal relevance.
- Conclude with 'how' questions to encourage problem-solving and synthesis.
Creating a Supportive Environment
- Encourage risk-taking by normalizing mistakes as part of the learning process.
- Collaborate among teachers, parents, and students to foster a culture of inquiry.
The Role of Society in Supporting Critical Thinking
Parental Involvement
- Parents can help students review by asking questions that require explanation and synthesis.
- This approach consolidates learning and makes abstract concepts relatable.
Lifelong Learning
- Adults should challenge their own assumptions through deeper questioning.
- This practice promotes empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
The Need for Systemic Change
Reevaluating Educational Priorities
- Schools should focus on preparing students for real-world challenges, not just exams.
- Rewarding creativity and critical thinking is essential for 21st-century readiness.
Empowering Teachers
- Teachers should be encouraged to take risks in their teaching methods.
- Professional development should include training on higher-order questioning techniques.