In preparation of this week’s written assignment and continuation of the work we did last week developing a learning plan, we discuss strategies for developing critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking is the process of actively conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach a conclusion. Creativity is about innovation, curiosity, and idea generation. These concepts represent separate but complimentary, processes. Creativity is concerned with the development of new ideas, processes, and concepts, while critical thinking is involved with the evaluation of those processes. Often, we hear about the need to foster the development of critical thinking skills with, and, for our students. We don’t often hear about the need to promote creativity.

For your initial post to this forum:

• Find a research article that evaluates how critical thinking and creativity can be taught in the classroom.
• Share the strategies presented.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and shortcomings of each strategy.

Post your discussion by Day 3 of the week. Before beginning, carefully review this guide, “Writing a Good Discussion Board Post,” by the Writing Center.

Make your discussion post at least three paragraphs long (around 300 words). Respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts throughout the week. Each of your responses should be at least 100 words long. Both your initial post and your responses should refer both to your own experience and to content from readings, media, or websites.