This book provides accessible educational practices that teachers can use to infuse skillful thinking into standards-based content instruction in any subject area or grade level. With rich examples from practice, readers will learn to teach students how, for example, to find and use evidence to support conclusions, to develop and articulate…

Philosophy neither competes with nor negates psychology findings, but goes beyond them, adding unique insights into the cognitive processes used to establish meaning. Philosophy and thinking are inextricably interwoven. Certain philosophy concepts (like reasoning, argumentation, and critical judgment) can help teachers improve student thinking.…

This fastback distills the essential features of critical thinking, as identified by prominent specialists in the field, and presents them in a way that is immediately usable in the classroom. After presenting a definition of critical thinking, the fastback discusses the necessary elements of critical thinking--dispositions, criteria, argument,…

Presents a detailed conceptual model for developing a thinking skills currriculum. Discusses whether it should be done through separate courses or integrated into subject matter courses. Includes four figures (MD)

A framework for teaching critical thinking skills is presented, and specific strategies that can be used at key places in this framework are outlined. The framework requires that teachers employ direct, systematic instruction in critical thinking skills prior to, during, and following student introduction to these skills. (RM)

To improve the teaching of thinking skills, social studies teachers need to identify and select a few key skills on which to focus continuously throughout the K-12 social studies curricula. They also need to identify the attributes of these skills. A model skill description is included. (RM)

Developing an accurate, commonly accepted definition of critical thinking is absolutely essential. This article proposes and discusses such a definition. Critical thinking is defined as the process of determining the authenticity, accuracy, and worth of information or knowledge claims. It consists of a number of discrete skills. (RM)

Suggests basic principles to guide the construction of an integrated sequential guide for thinking skills instruction throughout the K-12 curriculum. Strategies emphasize introducing and reinforcing cognitive operations such as information processing, problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making. (TE)

Three features are the foundation of instruction in thinking skills: (1) the learning environment, (2) the instructional strategies and methods used, and (3) the coordination and structure of skill teaching throughout the entire curriculum. (MD)

To make thinking skills programs in social studies effective, teachers must attend to three essential components of effective teaching: (1) a supportive classroom climate; (2) the methods used to provide instruction; and (3) the provisions for coordinating and structuring the skill teaching that goes throughout the entire social studies…

Addresses the question of which basics to teach in the social studies and how to find time to teach basics as well as everything else required in the curriculum. Gives practical hints on ways to integrate basics into conventional social studies objectives. (Author/AV)

Argues that instruction in thinking skills must be regularly assessed in the classroom. Offers an example of a basic format for testing thinking skills. Concludes that teachers must test thinking skills if such skills are to be valued by students. (JDH)

Identifies five obstacles to effective teaching of thinking skills, including lack of consensus among teachers, lack of knowledge among teachers, mistaking of skills testing for skills teaching, teaching of too many skills in too little time, and testing that inhibits students' thinking skills. (JW)

Thirteen guidelines are offered to teacher educators who seek to improve student thinking by improving the teaching of thinking in schools: (1) regard improved thinking as a means to an end, not the end itself; (2) be precise in the language and terms used to describe thinking; (3) recognize that the term "critical thinking" is a loaded term, with…