Module 5: Critical Thinking

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ETAP 623 Fall 2023 | Nick Gentile Portfolio Page | Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment

Module 5 Overview

In module five (5) we will be focusing on the 21st century skill of Critical Thinking. There will be emphasis placed on the strategies that educators can implement to achieve higher order thinking within their learning environment. We will see the value in student creativity and their original thoughts instead of forcing memorization.

Your first task is to take notes on the videos within the Module 5 Mini Lecture tab as well as the articles within the Module 5 Required Readings tab.

You will be required to complete one (1) discussion for this module. The directions to complete this task can be found within the Module 5 Discussion Prompt tab. Please include references to the mini lectures and required readings as you see fit. Remember to relate to your own experiences and generate two (2) substantive peer responses.

Your next task will be to complete the Module 5 Assessment: Reflect and Revise Prior Learning Environments and Interactions. You will reflect on experiences that could have been modified to foster a more effective and opportunistic learning environment that cultivated higher order thinking and critical thinking skills. More directions can be found within the Module 5 Assessment – Reflect and Revise Prior Learning Environments and Interactions tab.

Finally, you will be required to complete a Module 5 Discussion Conclusion. This is an open-ended prompt that you will submit to your instructor explaining what you gained from the module or something that stood out to you.

If you have any questions regarding the current module, please reach out by email or ask a class question in Module 5 Ask a Question.

Module 5 Objectives

At the conclusion of this module, the learner:

  • Will be able to identify the different levels of critical thinking strategies within the learning environment. (Cognitive Learning Domain)
  • Will be able to assemble revisions on prior experiences where the learning process could have elevated opportunities of critical thinking to align with Higher Order Thinking Strategies. (Psychomotor Learning Domain)
  • Will be able to question and propose various strategies that enhance the learning environment, ultimately generating a positive stance on emphasizing the significant of critical thinking skills throughout the learning process. (Affective Learning Domain)

Module 5 Required Readings

The following readings are aligned with the above Module 5 Objectives. Please take notes when reading the following articles:

Module 5 Mini Lecture

Please watch all videos attached for this module. These videos will replace the lecture segments of a traditional in-person course. When developing your discussion posts, small group activities, or independent assessments, I encourage you to incorporate concepts and methods covered throughout the videos.

Module 5 Discussion Prompt

Use the following prompt to guide your discussion post. You do not need to answer every question, they are here to ignite your thinking.

Do you believe that critical thinking is an essential skill needed to foster an effective learning environment? Do you think that the teacher has influence on the level of student critical thinking based on the level of questioning provided? Is there value in reflecting and modifying approaches when teaching students? In other words, overtime is it realistic to fine tune questioning strategies, approaches, sequential steps in activities, et cetera, in an effort to further develop student critical thinking skills?

I encourage you to include personal experiences when answering this prompt.

You will be required to create an initial post and two substantive peer responses. All posts should include APA Citations including required readings, mini-lectures, or additional references found outside of the required readings.

Use the Google Slides link below to craft your initial post. When responding to your peers, utilize the comment feature on their slide to leave your response.

Google Slide Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OmDpHRwbrT9PxfU3TsBsUQ6hKae0tibdmpE4Pp3qWBQ/edit?usp=sharing

Module 5 Assessment - Reflect and Revise Prior Learning Environments and Interactions

Reflect on experiences that could have been modified to foster a more effective and opportunistic learning environment that cultivated critical thinking skills. See the following Google Doc Link for more elaborate directions.

Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XArkrRdmS4VrBaOVpSoYpJEJ8HIEcGi95bvdsU_dlzY/edit?usp=sharing

Module 5 Discussion Conclusion

What did you take out of the discussions, independent assignments, mini-lectures, and readings from this module?

Submit your answer to the Google Form Link below.

Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/bWWSUQwmUAkBJqLB9

Module 5 Ask a Question

Use the Google Doc link below to ask any question related to the current module.

Please be as specific as possible so I can ensure that I accurately answer your question and clarify any confusion or misconceptions.

Google Doc Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M51PpwocaU_vOnnuUIGxLzb1SHCiwVg75K4-IyoFx54/edit?usp=sharing

Moving Forward

Click here to progress to Module 6: Wrap-Up.

Click here to return to the main course page: Nick Gentile Mini-Course: Essential Skills to Foster an Effective Learning Environment.

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