{"id":8923,"date":"2011-07-14T13:29:00","date_gmt":"2011-07-14T13:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/?p=8923"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:42:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:42:32","slug":"unlocking-the-mind-a-deep-dive-into-teaching-critical-thinking-in-elt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eltchat.org\/index.php\/2011\/07\/14\/unlocking-the-mind-a-deep-dive-into-teaching-critical-thinking-in-elt\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlocking the Mind: A Deep Dive into Teaching Critical Thinking in ELT"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Summary of #ELTchat from July 13, 2011<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"On July 13, 2011, the #ELTchat community gathered for a fast-paced, insightful discussion on one of the most vital skills in education: How to promote critical thinking (CT)<\/strong>. Moderated by @Marisa_C<\/strong> and @ShellTerrell<\/strong>, the conversation brought together educators from around the globe to share strategies, challenges, and definitions of this crucial higher-order ability.<\/p>\n

Whether you teach young learners or adults, this summary captures the essence of a rich discussion on moving students beyond simple comprehension and into the realms of analysis, evaluation, and creation.<\/p>\n

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What Exactly Is<\/em> Critical Thinking?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before diving into how<\/em> to teach it, the chat first grappled with what<\/em> it is. The consensus was that CT goes far beyond simple understanding and application.<\/p>\n

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    Higher-Order Thinking:<\/strong> @Marisa_C set the stage by calling it \u201ca higher order thinking ability – right next to Creative thinking.\u201d It\u2019s a requirement for discovery learning and problem-solving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    More Than Asking ‘What’:<\/strong> @akhssass made a key distinction, noting that “‘what, where and when’ questions do not sharpen critical thinking skills. But ‘why, how, do you think\u2026’ promote CT.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    A Toolkit of Skills:<\/strong> The community built a working definition. CT involves:<\/p>\n

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      Asking the right questions (@PrettyButWise)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating (@akhssass)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Examining evidence and avoiding emotional reasoning (@Fuertesun)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Tolerating ambiguity (@Fuertesun)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Making informed judgements or decisions (@CoreyBelliveau)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

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      A Synonym for Good Education:<\/strong> @brad5patterson elegantly summarized, “Isn’t CT simply good education, be it in #efl #history #physics? So we use it too in our field.”<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Nature vs. Nurture: Is CT Innate or Can It Be Taught?<\/span><\/h3>\n

      A fundamental question arose: does critical thinking come naturally?<\/p>\n