This article looks at how the nature of truth in science is not absolute and in accepting the idea that certain 'laws' are sufficiently true we can unlock the rigidity of discipline-based scientific thinking to make the possibility of tackling many of the grand challenges facing society a reality. The nature of Open Science is focused on the fact…

This paper describes how an action research process, centred around a professional development program for teaching critical thinking, enabled teachers in a specialised program for high-achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (Solid Pathways) to develop their pedagogical practices to support student cognition. It argues that a…

Today's learners routinely use technology outside of school to communicate, collaborate, and gather information about the world around them. Classroom learning experiences are relevant when they include communication technologies such as social networking, blogging, and video conferencing, and information technologies such as databases, browsers,…

Describes a debating program in a Pennsylvania high school, in order to show how debating can sharpen students' intellectual dexterity. Debate promotes critical thinking, careful listening, and effective use of library resources. (TE)

Argues that the best way to cultivate children's reasoning is to make philosophy an essential part of the elementary school curriculum. Philosophy alone provides the logical criteria for distinguishing better thinking from poorer. The author's "Philosophy for Children" program is described. (TE)

As the world moves from the industrial age into the information age people become less dependent on basic facts and skills and more dependent on the ability to manipulate information. The higher level thinking skills that are needed in this new age must be taught in the schools. When selecting programs for teaching thinking, educators should…

Two mass media projects that are being integrated into the national French education system are described. The "Socio-Cultural Education" program is intended to help future farmers understand and cope with social situations involving communication. The "Introduction to Communication and the Media" project helps students deal…

Philosophy for Children, a program incorporating teaching methods of inquiry among groups of students and designed to introduce students to philosophy through texts designed to generate discussion, has grown enormously since its inception in the late 1960s. Experimental research on the program's impact has demonstrated significant gains in…

Presents an interview with Scott Walter (director of the International Development Division of the International Reading Association) and Wendy Saul (senior editor of "Thinking Classroom") about the division's activities and projects, especially the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking (RWCT) project, which introduces research-based…

Describes the "Partnerships in Teaching Critical Thinking" project, which links Milwaukee's Alverno College with 22 local schools in efforts to infuse critical thinking across the curriculum. Reviews program activities and three principles for collaboration concerning equal partnerships and ongoing dialogue between K-12 teachers and faculty and…

Describes the "Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking Project" which has now sent more than 70 volunteer teacher educators into 20 countries across Central Europe and Central Asia to help teachers to try out methods that foster active learning and critical thinking. Discusses support for the project, teaching strategies introduced,…

This document summarizes five studies that offer insight into the nature of higher-order thinking skills and the most effective methods for teaching them to students. The reviews outline the conclusions, definitions, recommendations, specific methods of teaching, instructional strategies, and programs detailed in the documents themselves.…

This document is a guide to be used when presenting the videotape, "A More Perfect Union," to diverse audiences, including school boards, bar associations, police departments, teachers' workshops, civic associations, or other groups. The videotape was produced to introduce law related education (LRE) to educators, law professionals, and…

The Public Policy and Public Schools Program was developed to educate urban, low-income parents about the administration, curriculum, organization, legal structure, and finances of their children's schools. The program has increased parental involvement in local boards of education, school committees, and advocacy groups. Sample program activities…

Intelligence is here defined in terms of component processes, and three programs are reviewed that train aspects of intelligence as specified by this theory: Feuerstein's "Instrumental Enrichment," Lipman's "Philosophy for Children," and the "Chicago Mastery Learning" program. Central suggestions are provided for…