Subnostr

I designed and have taught a math elective called Critical Thinking for the last four years that wasn't going to run this year because not enough kids signed up. BUT, I got word on Friday that there is space in the schedule and if I can recruit enough kids (and it fits in their schedule) then it'll run in the spring! I'm cautiously excited - but there's work to be done - so I have to log off for a bit and focus. Have a great start to your week!

#education #teaching

Side note: My friend Will Reusch and I built a critical thinking curriculum that free to anyone who wants it. It using elements from the class I designed and would be useful for teachers but especially homeschoolers or homeschool teachers. I know there are quite a few homeschoolers and world schoolers around here. #homeschooling #worldschooling

https://www.williamreusch.com/criticalthinking

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Discussion

Drew F 1y ago

Keep up the good work Zach! Critical thinking is critical, also, not commonly taught in public schools

Zach 1y ago

You’re right! And critical thinking without a political motivation is even more rare. Sometimes teachers say they want to teach critical thinking and it really means they want to teach how think like their worldview. To put it simply, I disagree.

Drew F 1y ago

I've had science teachers that severely disrupted my worldview and made me fearful for the future, a nihilist. They told me look at all this _ and would then tell me what it all meant.

As a teacher I think it is fine to put the right books, equations, scenarios, in front of children. They just need to be the ones to fully deduce the conclusion and meaning.

I had an English teacher who once gave me a lot to read, all with subliminal messaging. Although I didn't agree with some of the messages, I loved the teacher more than any other because he didn't tell us how to perceive the texts.

Your students are lucky!

Zach 1y ago

I know what you mean. I’ve heard different perspectives on how much a teacher should share about their opinions on issues. I come down here - a teacher should keep their personal views as much to themselves as possible. Obviously it’s impossible to be perfectly objective or to perfectly hide your biases (some you won’t even be aware of). And your values will impact what you emphasize in each lesson and maybe information you include and leave out. But even with all of that, most teachers can do a pretty good job of keeping the kids uncertain of their opinion if they want to.

The thing is, even if you preface your opinion with “I’m not saying you should believe this, but this is what I believe” you will impact their views, at least slightly. You’re the person at the front of the room, the adult who they (hopefully) respect and your opinion carries weight.