Introduction/
First steps
First steps
In this section, you will find exercises that can be used in the first introductory session on the topic of critical thinking.
Objective:
To introduce participants to the diversity of approaches to critical thinking and initiate a discussion based on researchers' ideas (when used at the beginning of a session) or help participants summarize and consolidate their ideas and learnings about critical thinking (when used at the end of a session).
Number of participants:
2 to 25
Age range:
15+
Duration:
45-60 minutes
How to conduct:
This technique is well-suited for an introductory session where you familiarize participants with the topic. Instead of a lecture at the beginning of the session, suggest a visit to the gallery of definitions. Print out definitions (one definition per sheet) and hang or lay them out in the room so participants can read them. The task may be as follows: "Over the next 15 minutes, read through the definitions and take a photo of one or two that interest you."
After everyone has read the definitions, invite participants to share which definitions they chose and why.
Once everyone has spoken, you can introduce participants to the theoretical aspects of the topic, referring to their discussion as needed.
Note:
This exercise can also be used at the end of a session. After you have introduced participants to the basics of critical thinking, ask them to choose the definition that best matches their understanding of the topic and explain their choice.
Once everyone has spoken, you can introduce participants to the theoretical aspects of the topic, referring to their discussion as needed.
Note:
This exercise can also be used at the end of a session. After you have introduced participants to the basics of critical thinking, ask them to choose the definition that best matches their understanding of the topic and explain their choice.
Definitions:
Critical thinking is a higher-order type of thinking that requires people to question incoming information and their own beliefs.
Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. (Norris & Ennis, 1989)
Another (...) understanding of critical thinking equates it with metacognition, or “thinking about thinking” (Raiskums, 2008)
Objective:
To clarify participants' understanding on the topic, stimulate discussion based on independent thinking (when used at the beginning of a session), or summarize the material (when used at the end of a session).
Number of participants:
5 to 25
Age range:
15+
Duration:
45-60 minutes
How to conduct:
This exercise works well for the first session when you need to introduce participants to the topic and find out what they already know. Suggest that you visit the gallery of metaphors. Prepare cards with visual metaphors (for example, a deck of Dixit cards) or print out our cards. Give the participants the following task: "Over the next 15 minutes, familiarize yourself with the cards, and choose and photograph the one that reflects your understanding of critical thinking." After everyone has chosen a card, invite participants to share and explain their choices.
Next, introduce participants to the theory on the topic, referring to their ideas and correcting them if necessary.
Note:
This method is similar to the exercise entitled "Gallery Walk: Definitions". However, when “Gallery Walk: Metaphors” is used at the beginning of a session, participants are asked to only rely on their own understanding of the subject.
Variation:
If you use this exercise at the end of an online session, you can ask participants to independently generate metaphorical images that reflect their understanding of critical thinking using this AI tool.
Note:
This method is similar to the exercise entitled "Gallery Walk: Definitions". However, when “Gallery Walk: Metaphors” is used at the beginning of a session, participants are asked to only rely on their own understanding of the subject.
Variation:
If you use this exercise at the end of an online session, you can ask participants to independently generate metaphorical images that reflect their understanding of critical thinking using this AI tool.
Objective:
To clarify participants' current understanding of the topic, stimulate independent thinking, and encourage open discussion.
Number of participants:
8 to 20
Age range:
15+
Duration:
60-90 minutes
How to conduct:
Prepare several statements related to the topic of critical thinking. (Three to four statements are usually enough to spark discussion without overwhelming the participants.)
Divide the room into three zones: "Agree," "Disagree," and "Don't know/Unsure."
After reading each statement, participants move to the zone that matches their opinion. Wait until everyone has chosen a position, and then ask them to briefly justify their choice. Ensure that people from different zones have a chance to speak. After participants have shared their thoughts, ask if anyone wants to change their position based on the arguments they heard.
Sample statements:
Choose statements based on the participants' experience and familiarity with the topic. If the statements have a correct answer, reveal it after all participants have expressed their views.
After reading each statement, participants move to the zone that matches their opinion. Wait until everyone has chosen a position, and then ask them to briefly justify their choice. Ensure that people from different zones have a chance to speak. After participants have shared their thoughts, ask if anyone wants to change their position based on the arguments they heard.
Sample statements:
- Critical thinking helps navigate critical situations.
- Critical thinking is an innate human ability.
- One can study critical thinking throughout life and never reach a final point.
Choose statements based on the participants' experience and familiarity with the topic. If the statements have a correct answer, reveal it after all participants have expressed their views.