Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making. Is the standard I chose to focus on. The major points shown are as followed.
Reason Effectively
Use Systems Thinking
Make Judgments and Decisions
Solve Problems
Each of these are the major focuses on this particular standard. For my particular content area (math) this corresponds fairly well with the overall base of the subject.
What I would do is break the class into groups and play a strategy game. The game I would want the class to play would be a social critical thinking game called Werewolf. Werewolf rules can be found here.
I would want my students to A.) get into a critical thinking sense of mind and B.) a problem solving one. Now some my think this is more of a psychology game, which it is. However, just as there is in a math problem there is information that needs to be drawn out then applied to the problem. Combining content areas is something that is important for students to think in an open frame of mind. Which will allow students to think in a critical way.
Here is how a rough draft of step by step to the class would be given.
Step 1: Explain and go over the rules to the students after I had them read the rules of the game for a homework assignment.
Step 2: I would discuss the problem solving and critical thinking skills this game has to offer. I would ask for their opinion now (before they play) and after to see whatever thoughts they had changed.
Step 3: I would pass out the cards and the game will start. I would grade them on how they play the game on an individual level rather than have it be based on whether or not their team won.
Step 4: I would have them write a report (1 page) on what happened, their experience, and what they learned that could be applied to the route they would take to solve problems.
Step 5: I would play the game again and view their differences from game 1 to game 2 after the paper has been turned in.
From there on out I would (when it applies) ask how a future problem given to the kids related back to this exercise.
Not sure how this activity satisfies that standard. Take a look at the content statement and CPI - and describe which CPI you will be addressing.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the above comment. How does this activity also relate to math?
ReplyDeleteSame, very thourough though!
ReplyDeleteHey guys (and girl) thanks for posting on my thoughts, here is how I have it figured.
ReplyDeleteIn general most people who are math majors/good with numbers have a keen sense for critical thinking skills. I for example personally enjoy most strategy games and brain teasers. I remember when I was interviewing for my first "real job" I was given a series of brain teasers so the interviewer could see how I thought about solving the problem. This applies to math as well; to get the person thinking in a way to solve and understand the problem. In my head I kind of in vision it as Mr. Miyagi making Daniel Larusso do all the cleaning and painting for him.
Because It doesn't matter so much what you are doing as long as it gets you into a mind set to do whatever the goal is to be accomplished and can eventually be related in some way.
I hope this made some sense to you guys and I am again glad to see your comments.
p.s the brainteaser given is as followed.
There are 8 marbles. 1 weighs more than the other 7, but all look the same. You are given a a scale (scale of justice looking scale)and are asked to determine the fewest amount of times you need to use the scale in order to figure out which marble weighs more.
If anyone wants to go for it do it, it would be cool to hear your answers. (I got this one wrong)