The requirement to assure the teaching of critical thinking put the school in front of its own weaknesses. A profound criticism highlights limitations, hindrances and obstacles that are difficult to pass without the personal efforts of the teachers. Following criticism, one can identify a set of requirements that would allow for improvement and…

Children's background experiences not only make them unique individuals, but also impact their interactions with texts because of their varied schema. Teachers who work with children should keep in mind Gregory Smith's (2002) five thematic patterns (cultural studies, nature studies, real world problem solving, internship and entrepreneurial…

Understanding the scientific method fosters the development of critical thinking and logical analysis of information. Additionally, proposing and testing a hypothesis is applicable not only to science, but also to ordinary facts of daily life. Knowing the way science is done and how its results are published is useful for all citizens and…

Describes 18 books on thinking and learning for elementary school-aged children. Each book is critically discussed and evaluated in an appropriate category--problem solving, the scientific method, observation, or logic. (BK)

Some of the limitations of the lecture method for teaching analysis are discussed, some thoughts about the relevance of theories of personality type and learning style to the teaching of problem solving are offered, and a list of resources is given. (Author/MLW)

Drawn from several comprehensive bibliographies and computer searches of volumes by speakers at the Conference on Thinking, this brief bibliography presents resources for researchers and practitioners interested in the areas of cognitive and critical thinking skills. The materials are divided into the following topic areas: (1) general, (2)…

A SERIES OF PAPERS DEALING WITH THE TEACHING OF THINKING TO ADOLESCENTS IS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT FROM THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS. TOPICS INCLUDE--(1) A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON THINKING AND TEACHING, (2) THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT THINKING, (3) FACTORS RELATED TO THINKING READINESS, (4) TEACHING PUPILS HOW TO THINK,…

This is the ninth in the second series of general bibliographies developed to disseminate information on documents analyzed at the ERIC Information Analysis Center for Science Education. Reported are some 184 citations of selected documents in the areas of (1) evaluation, (2) educational objectives, (3) learning theories and processes, and (4)…

Observes that most educators agree that an essential goal of education is the development of students who are effective problem solvers. Describes Problem Based Learning (PBL) environments where students act as professionals and confront problems as they occur. Outlines the stages of PBL and provides a bibliography for further reading. (DSK)