Chapters International

Objectives:

Develop a clear understanding of critical thinking and the ability to plan to support the development of critical thinking in all learners
Develop ability to frame powerful questions that invite and support critical and creative thinking
Build a repertoire of powerful strategies to support learning through instruction and effective assessment
Promote sustained critical inquiry through the careful sequencing of a related set of inquiries
Understand the role of the 5 intellectual tools in supporting deep learning

Session1: Introduction to Sustained Critical Inquiry

In this introductory session, participants will develop a shared understanding of what it means to think critically and will be introduced to a powerful framework for putting thinking at the core of learning. Framing effective questions that invite thinking and exploring six for of critical thinking prompts will be shared and worked with to create rich learning opportunities.

Session 2: Developing the Intellectual Tools for Critical Thinking

In this workshop, participants will work with the five intellectual tools students need to engage in critically thoughtful learning. They will explore a variety of practical strategies for building students background knowledge in ways that promote thinking; they will consider the role of criteria in guiding students thinking and will be introduced to a variety of thinking strategies and organizers that ensure thinking is the foundation of learning.

Session 3: Designing for Sustained Critical Inquiry

In this workshop, participants will work with a cascading approach to curriculum planning that moves critical thinking from daily activities to sustained thinking that leads to deeper more transferable learning. Participants will have an opportunity to frame a sustained inquiry around a provocative throughline question and a rich task. The use of learning launches to initiate and sustain learning will be shared and developed for use in classrooms.

Session 4 (Alternative): Creating Optimal Conditions for Creativity

In this workshop, participants will explore the intersections between critical thinking and creativity. They will explore the 5 keys for creating optimal conditions for creativity including, supporting quality thinking, providing opportunities, strategies for fluency and flexibility in thinking, supporting verification and allowing time for failure to be an opportunity for quality thinking. The session will focus on practical strategies for making creativity a core component for learning.

Audience:

K-12 educators, Curriculum coaches and Consultants, Curriculum Directors

Garfield Gini-Newman

Garfield Gini-Newman is an associate professor, teaming stream in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. His primary areas of research involve the pedagogy of critical thinking and ways to embed critical thinking in classrooms from kindergarten to graduate school; the intersection of effective assessment and instruction; and, learning through sustained critical inquiry. Prof. Gini-Newman teaches courses in social sciences, history, creativity and innovation and authentic assessment.