Examines the shift in schools toward using software that teaches critical thinking skills. A list of 14 packages is also provided, with each entry including name, recommended age level(s), current cost, source, and a brief description. (JN)

The point-counterpoint technique adapted from "60 Minutes" is a way to examine multifaceted issues in depth. It demonstrates that there is often more than one correct answer, encourages creative problem solving, and establishes a highly interactive learning environment. (SK)

Reports on the Seventh Annual Conference on Chemical Education which explored the assumption that science courses focus too much on the product of science and not enough on the process. Problem solving was examined as a possible route toward developing the necessary critical-thinking skills. Covers the keynote address, Problems versus Exercises,…

The emphasis on promoting thinking skills in the classroom has fostered several trends, tendencies, and tensions. This movement has taken three directions: the teaching of thinking, teaching for thinking, and teaching about thinking. In the first, thinking is regarded as a process of developing a set amount of skills. The proponents of this…

Describes current issues and difficulties inherent to the topic of critical thinking in physical education; also presents and discusses a schematic representation of a theoretical critical thinking model for the psychomotor domain (cognitive organizing, cognitive action, cognitive and psychomotor outcomes, and metacognitive monitoring). (SM)

This workshop focuses on the utility of decision making counseling: what it is, how it is operationalized into counseling behaviors, and what applications it has to counseling. Four sequential stages are proposed for explaining the use of the technique, including: (1) conceptualization; (2) enlargement of the response repertoire; (3)…

Discusses a performance assessment tool that entails open-ended tasks requiring students not only to provide answers but to show their solution processes. Discusses several areas to address in developing open-ended tasks. Areas include the need to assess important mathematical content and cognitive processes, use of effective prompts, and use of…

One of the goals of science education is to foster critical and scientific thinking skills. However, if the meaning of the terms "thinking critically" or "thinking scientifically" is not clear, these phrases will become vacuous slogans beyond translation in teaching methods and curriculum materials. Therefore, the fundamental aspect of these terms…

This report provides a summary of testimony delivered at hearings around the country concerning Objectives Four and Five of National Education Goal Five that address the need to increase qualified student college enrollment (especially of minorities) and completion of at least 2 years (Objective Four), and the need to raise the proportion of…