Sage Sociology Exchange Critical Thinking and Analytical skills

Question:

How do I encourage critical thinking and analytical skills among my students?

Answer:

Ownership, Nurturing a Growth Mindset, and the Journey of the “Life-Long Learner.”

Provided by Sage Faculty Partner, Dr. Ryan L. Button

My teaching philosophy focuses on fostering ownership, shared experiences, and a “life-long learner” mentality to deeply engage students with the material. The FASE (which stands for “Formulate questions,” “Active reading,” “Summarize,” and ‘Examples”) note-taking method, smoothly integrated into Sage Vantage, plays a crucial role in this approach. It aligns with critical thinking processes, guiding students to shift from simply answering questions to actively questioning.

The FASE system actively encourages students to shift from an answer-based approach to a question-based one, highlighting the profound importance of students asking meaningful inquiries. Creating an environment that stimulates the formulation of insightful questions propels students on a journey that not only sharpens their critical thinking skills but also encourages a continuous quest for knowledge. This alignment between FASE and critical thinking not only facilitates a dynamic and interactive learning experience but also empowers students to become active participants in their academic journey, fostering a genuine and lasting love for learning. As educators, we must continually reflect on whether the classroom experience we create nourishes savvy test-takers or cultivates life-long learners. Asking ourselves, “What do we need to know for this test?” should prompt a broader consideration of our educational objectives and their lasting impact on students.

Dr. Button is currently hosting a webinar on the FASE learning system through Sage as part of their Tips to Take Flight series. The webinar is titled “Beyond Scribbles: Engaging Note-taking in a New Era with Vantage.”