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Critical Thinking in the 21st Century and Beyond

A Principal's Reflections

One of my fondest memories of school was my science teacher, Mr. South. Having attended a K-8 consolidated school in rural NJ, we knew who all the teachers were. However, Mr. South stood out. I remember an elementary student seeing paper flyers with a caricature of Mr. South wearing one of his famous flannel shirts.

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Project-based learning gets its moment during the coronavirus

The Hechinger Report

Shelby County Public Schools trained all of its teachers in project-based learning seven years ago, and the practice had taken root in pockets all over the district. Projects have always been common in classrooms and students frequently wrap up units with bigger assignments that tie together what they learned.

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PROOF POINTS: Four new studies bolster the case for project-based learning

The Hechinger Report

Four new studies on project-based learning. Project-based learning, a popular practice that uses lots of poster boards and student presentations, is billed as an antidote to boring classrooms where teachers drone on. Not every attempt at project-based learning worked. 3rd grade science.

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Project-based learning boosts student engagement, understanding

The Hechinger Report

Seventh grade students offer feedback on projects by sixth graders at Stony Brook School, where about 40 students in each grade get interdisciplinary, project-based learning. It’s a cool way to learn something,” Roman said. Instead of learning and taking a test. It’s more free.”.

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Relevant Thinking and Learner Success

A Principal's Reflections

Relevant thinking in an educational context refers to connecting new knowledge and skills to real-world situations, making learning applicable to students' lives and future careers. It involves critical thinking directly related to personal experiences, societal issues, or practical applications.

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Project-based learning and standardized tests don’t mix

The Hechinger Report

Instead, the schools have adopted an approach that’s become increasingly popular among education advocates and funders: project-based learning. Projects are organized around the development of skills like student collaboration, problem-solving and self-reflection through assignments that blend research with public presentations.

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Scientific research on how to teach critical thinking contradicts education trends

The Hechinger Report

Critical thinking is all the rage in education. Some argue that critical thinking should be the primary purpose of education and one of the most important skills to have in the 21st century, with advanced machines and algorithms replacing manual and repetitive labor. But it is entirely applicable to the American context.