The class started with a “Welcome Activity” where students had to frame questions to get the answer 12. The students could make connection with the thinking skills used by them while looking at different alternatives for the given solution.  

Then, the session continued with understanding of  the topic – Critical thinking. Generally, there is  a myth about the term – Critical Thinking. Students considered critical thinking as a means for finding the critics of a movie, a book, etc.

Well, in this session thinkers understood the actual meaning of Critical Thinking through the definition given by Anne Buchanan stating, “Critical thinking is disciplined, self-directed thinking. It requires thinking about your own thinking while you are thinking in order to make your thinking more clear, more accurate and more defensible. Ask questions, gather and assess relevant information, come to well-reasoned conclusions/solutions, and communicate effectively”.

After understanding the meaning of critical thinking, they were given a demo on how to be a critical thinker by asking questions. The thinking tool – De Bono’s Thinking Hats was reinforced explaining them what each color stands for. An example on the topic of healthy lifestyle for each hat was shared with them.

Later on, as a class, students worked in groups and were asked to make questions according to the hat on the topic – Play Time. Students came up with relevant questions for their topic and shared the same with the whole class.

Until next class, keep thinking critically!!!