Critical Thinking

I have officially finished my last observation at Colegio Roosevelt. In my last couple days there, the students continued to work on their fiction stories as well as prepared for their book clubs. They also continued their science lesson where they were trying to create a paper airplane that would travel the farthest. They were encouraged to do their research by looking online as well as trying out different models that may or may not work. This was a fun activity where the students could create their own paper airplane, however, while they were doing so, they were engaging in critical thinking. They were making hypothesis about what would be the best model for their airplane and why they would use specific materials. While I won’t be there for the competition, I know that they are determined to make the best paper airplane possible!

After class yesterday, we had a presentation from the director of the Global Citizenship Program at Colegio Roosevelt. She talked to us about how the students at Colegio Roosevelt are engaging in service learning through investigation, preparation and reflection. She talked a lot about how the students often go out and do service, however, don’t reflect on what they have learned after and what they can continue to do. She has changed that through this program though. The students are encouraged to reflect on their service and develop a relationship with the community members that they are working with. She also shared with us that the students participate in a week-long trip, Classroom Without Walls, where the students spend time with each other and learn how to build community. They also engage in learning experiences that incorporate the beauty of Peru during their week away. Students grades 6-11 participate in this program and can experience a cultural exchange with the community that they go in. A week-long trip to the Amazon sounds like an unforgettable learning experience!

In the evening, we decided to go to a film screening of short films that students from the Amazon created on how to have fun without technology. We got back to the house and decided that we could leave at 5:45pm for a 6:30pm showing. It was about a 45-minute drive; however, we must have hit ALL the traffic possible. We arrived in the neighborhood where the film was at 7:20pm and just decided to go to dinner. The show ended at 7:30pm and we probably would not have seen much. The traffic in Lima is bumper to bumper in the evening. We still had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant, and had a much faster ride home!

When I think of myself as a student and how I developed my critical thinking skills, I first think of being frustrated. When I was developing my critical thinking skills, I can remember that I would often be frustrated when I had to think deeper than the answer that was needed. I wanted to find one correct answer and did not want to have to explain it. However, when I did have to explain it, I would have to apply what I already knew and then evaluate whether it was supported by my claim or by my answer. Critical thinking involves gathering information and then using that information to evaluate and analyze how it was presented and what it means.

As an educator, I can help students grow in their critical development by providing them with the resources and scaffolding needed to reach that point, instead of the point of frustration. I can help them grow by asking them questions that go beyond just what is the answer. Instead, I can ask them to explain themselves and back up their answer with reasoning. I can probe their reasoning by having the students engage in projects where they apply what they know and put it to work rather than just doing worksheets. I can help them grow by having them discuss with each other and pick each other’s brains. In Mr. P’s class, he encouraged the students to be the leaders of discussions and projects and encouraged them to challenge each other in an appropriate manner. Often students can learn best from each other and the teacher can just serve as a resource for any questions or to push them to think deeper. I saw a lot of critical thinking going on at Colegio Roosevelt and I am excited to see new schools in Lima next week!

Adios!

Mr. P's 5th Grade Class at Colegio Roosevelt!