So where does all this leave us here in Canada, as we watch the U.S. election results in horror?
What should those of us who have spent our careers in public classrooms and school districts consider teaching about the lessons of the U.S. election result?
Should we take note that teaching kids to think critically is the core of education?
In 2024, should a preferred approach to education be one that has critical thinking at its curricular core — a skill not measured by standardized testing but that is tested most effectively at voting time.
The following are cited as components of critical thinking by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Western University in London Ontario:
• understanding the logical connections between ideas
• identifying, constructing and evaluating arguments
• detecting inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• solving problems systematically
• identifying the relevance and importance of ideas
• reflecting on the justification of one’s own beliefs and values
Jean Piaget, the Swiss psychologist best known for his theories of cognitive development, said: “The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive, and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.”
Geoff JohnsonNov 16, 2024 8:30 PMGeoff Johnson is a former superintendent of schools.
From the Times Colonist – Victoria, BC, Canada – Where Sadie and I escaped to watch the election results.
So where does all this leave us here in Canada, as we watch the U.S. election results in horror?
What should those of us who have spent our careers in public classrooms and school districts consider teaching about the lessons of the U.S. election result?
Should we take note that teaching kids to think critically is the core of education?
In 2024, should a preferred approach to education be one that has critical thinking at its curricular core — a skill not measured by standardized testing but that is tested most effectively at voting time.
The following are cited as components of critical thinking by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Western University in London Ontario:
• understanding the logical connections between ideas
• identifying, constructing and evaluating arguments
• detecting inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• solving problems systematically
• identifying the relevance and importance of ideas
• reflecting on the justification of one’s own beliefs and values
Jean Piaget, the Swiss psychologist best known for his theories of cognitive development, said: “The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive, and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.”
Geoff JohnsonNov 16, 2024 8:30 PMGeoff Johnson is a former superintendent of schools.
From the Times Colonist – Victoria, BC, Canada – Where Sadie and I escaped to watch the election results.