Twenty-fifth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

In an era in which scientific thinking is under attack and opinion can override facts and reasoned thinking, it has become even more crucial for students develop critical thinking skills. Students often have difficulty comprehending disciplinary-specific or content-area material about complex topics, as is often found in scientific texts. A method, that can be employed by teachers, for increasing students’ critical evaluation and comprehension of such material is presented. The method includes two content enhancements to help guide students in thinking critically–like a scientist or historian. The goal of the methodology is to help students learn to how to evaluate evidence about issues in everyday life. Teachers are taught three steps in implementing the critical thinking methodology to help differentiate fact from fiction.