When contemplating critical thinking aligning with the five teacher-controlled key components of customized learning (student voice and choice, lower and higher order thinking skills, formative assessment, multiple pathways to learning), I can see how all, with the exception of lower order thinking, support critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
Although customized learning does require a great deal of teacher guidance, it also requires the students to perform all of the actions in the student NETS #4 as it forces students to think critically, problem-solve and to make decisions.
Higher Order Thinking Skills also address the NETS for students in that it requires students to do more than simply find factual information and answers the way that Lower Order Thinking does. Therefore; Lower Order Thinking does not support the students NETS because it doesn't require critical thinking skills to simply look up and memorize facts.
Formative Feedback greatly supports the student NETS and is critical because it keeps the students on the right path and serves to confirm or deny that they are exhibiting understanding as they are working through their "projects," rather than simply grading them upon completion. It is also important to customized learning.
Multiple Pathways to Learning also supports the student NETS because it allows students to customize their learning based on their own needs, interests and abilities by giving students the options and access to different ways to learn material. They can take traditional classes, do online courses, design a project, or do an internship.
Great post on the alignment between the 5 key components and critical thinking. Many good points and supporting evidence to support your thinking.
ReplyDeletePlease add the second item for your post about the two website you are reviewing and finding an application for in your classroom.