1. Critical Thinking Using The Five Teacher-Controlled Key
Components of Customized Learning
When students are able to use their voice and choice in
their learning, they are able to become actively involved in the process of
analyzing and evaluating the information to make it relevant to their learning.
In order for students to think critically using both lower and higher thinking
skills, students must first understand and internalize the knowledge in order
to synthesize the information. Using both lower and higher thinking skills
allows students to scaffold their learning. When teachers use formative
assessment with students, teachers are encouraging students to self evaluate
the information and think critically to analyze the information in order to
make better decisions and reflect on their learning. Allowing students to
choose their pathway to learning will help students design their own learning style
and promote critical thinking.
2. Critical Thinking Using Websites
I would use these websites as an introduction for students
to understand how to think critically when finding information on the Internet.
Young students have a tendency to use a Google search and use the first
information they find. This is a wonderful opportunity to explain the
differences in website domains using .com and .org. You could have students use
the Explorer website and find actual true information about the explorer and
then compare with the inaccurate information found on the site.
In addition to the evaluation of the website itself, critically "reading" a Google results page is equally important. I think your idea for discussing domains would be a great lesson!
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