My wife responded to our children when they indicated an interest in something. When my 3-yr old daughter noticed smoking, my wife taught that it was not healthy, caused pretty pink lungs to turn black, etc. Proof of training: when at the grocery daughter observed a man lighting up. She said loudly, "That is so bad for him." Result: he snuffed it out. That training has stayed with her; she has never had any interest in smoking, drugs, etc. Son's experience was similar except he was against drugs because it would cost so much. So, at what age is it best to train against drug use?
Today it seems that public schools are where children are sent to be programmed. Natural curiosity is squelched and children are taught how to think and what to think but creativity plays no part in the process. I learned more as a child listening to my parents at the supper table than I ever did in school. Stepping outside the norm might get a child put on Ritalin today. Critical thinking is a natural progression of curiosity and an open mind, and young children possess both. Many teachers don't.
The Socratic Method...learning being a two way street. Dialogue between a young child and parent. This is how i was taught. My father asked me questions as a young child., When I answered them, He gave me information, which made me think...and form my own opinion. .....
Pete: Yes, Critical Thinking applies to almost anything. The question is: how do I get a child to be an instinctive critical thinker? The first part of my answer is above. Part 2 will be on Thursday.
My wife responded to our children when they indicated an interest in something. When my 3-yr old daughter noticed smoking, my wife taught that it was not healthy, caused pretty pink lungs to turn black, etc. Proof of training: when at the grocery daughter observed a man lighting up. She said loudly, "That is so bad for him." Result: he snuffed it out. That training has stayed with her; she has never had any interest in smoking, drugs, etc. Son's experience was similar except he was against drugs because it would cost so much. So, at what age is it best to train against drug use?
Jim: Good example of how children are receptive to learning at a very young age.
Today it seems that public schools are where children are sent to be programmed. Natural curiosity is squelched and children are taught how to think and what to think but creativity plays no part in the process. I learned more as a child listening to my parents at the supper table than I ever did in school. Stepping outside the norm might get a child put on Ritalin today. Critical thinking is a natural progression of curiosity and an open mind, and young children possess both. Many teachers don't.
SM: Agreed. The emphasis is on learning "info" (like fossil fuels are bad), rather thsn learning HOW to think.
The Socratic Method...learning being a two way street. Dialogue between a young child and parent. This is how i was taught. My father asked me questions as a young child., When I answered them, He gave me information, which made me think...and form my own opinion. .....
Barbara: Yes that is helpful. The first video supports that idea.
Critical thinking can be used and taught using any different passion that a student finds joy in pursuing…
…once the Critical thinking process is matured studying that topic or skill, then those Humans can use CT skill for every life issue they will face
Pete: Yes, Critical Thinking applies to almost anything. The question is: how do I get a child to be an instinctive critical thinker? The first part of my answer is above. Part 2 will be on Thursday.