Critical Thinking Program Structure
1. Overall Goals:
• 1.1. Develop critical thinking skills:
– 1.1.1. Questioning
– 1.1.2. Analysis
– 1.1.3. Evaluation
– 1.1.4. Argumentation
– 1.1.5. Self-reflection
• 1.2. Foster personal qualities:
– 1.2.1. Intellectual curiosity
– 1.2.2. Open-mindedness
– 1.2.3. Intellectual humility
– 1.2.4. Digital literacy
• 1.3. Equip students for practical outcomes:
– 1.3.1. Making informed decisions
– 1.3.2. Solving problems creatively
– 1.3.3. Understanding and evaluating digital content
– 1.3.4. Communicating effectively
– 1.3.5. Reflecting on personal thinking processes, biases, and viewpoints
2. Progressive Structure:
2.1. Primary (Grades 1-5):
• 2.1.1. Focus on Foundational Skills:
– 2.1.1.1. Observation
– 2.1.1.2. Classification
– 2.1.1.3. Comparison
– 2.1.1.4. Identification of biases
– 2.1.1.5. Simple problem-solving
• 2.1.2. Activities:
– 2.1.2.1. Games
– 2.1.2.2. Puzzles
– 2.1.2.3. Hands-on experiments
– 2.1.2.4. Storytelling with multiple perspectives
– 2.1.2.5. Questioning prompts
• 2.1.3. Examples:
– 2.1.3.1. Sorting objects by various criteria
– 2.1.3.2. Comparing characters in stories
– 2.1.3.3. Identifying multiple solutions to community-based problems
– 2.1.3.4. Engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence and empathy
2.2. Secondary (Grades 6-10):
• 2.2.1. Build on Foundational Skills with Advanced Concepts:
– 2.2.1.1. Formal logic
– 2.2.1.2. Fallacies
– 2.2.1.3. Evidence evaluation
– 2.2.1.4. Persuasive techniques
– 2.2.1.5. Critical media literacy
• 2.2.2. Activities:
– 2.2.2.1. Debates
– 2.2.2.2. Group projects
– 2.2.2.3. Analyzing historical events
– 2.2.2.4. Dissecting news reports
– 2.2.2.5. Identifying logical fallacies in advertising
• 2.2.3. Examples:
– 2.2.3.1. Debating technological advancements
– 2.2.3.2. Analyzing propaganda techniques
– 2.2.3.3. Evaluating scientific claims
– 2.2.3.4. Collaborative evaluation of social/environmental issues
2.3. Higher Secondary (Grades 11-12):
• 2.3.1. Deepen Critical Thinking with Complex Applications:
– 2.3.1.1. Ethical dilemmas
– 2.3.1.2. Diverse perspectives
– 2.3.1.3. Complex systems analysis
– 2.3.1.4. Interdisciplinary approaches
– 2.3.1.5. Global citizenship
• 2.3.2. Activities:
– 2.3.2.1. Research projects
– 2.3.2.2. Case studies
– 2.3.2.3. Simulations
– 2.3.2.4. Philosophical discussions
– 2.3.2.5. Analyzing global issues
• 2.3.3. Examples:
– 2.3.3.1. Interdisciplinary research on historical events
– 2.3.3.2. Participation in mock trials
– 2.3.3.3. Analysis of automation’s societal impact
– 2.3.3.4. Developing solutions to global challenges
3. Additional Considerations:
• 3.1. Integration:
– 3.1.1. Across various subjects
– 3.1.2. Holistic development
• 3.2. Assessment:
– 3.2.1. Presentations
– 3.2.2. Debates
– 3.2.3. Research projects
– 3.2.4. Continuous feedback mechanisms
• 3.3. Teacher Training:
– 3.3.1. Critical thinking pedagogy
– 3.3.2. Digital literacy
• 3.4. Collaboration and Digital Platforms:
– 3.4.1. Encouraging collaboration
– 3.4.2. Peer feedback
– 3.4.3. Use of digital platforms
• 3.5. Community Engagement:
– 3.5.1. Real-world community issues
– 3.5.2. Enhancing practical skills and social responsibility
