Critical and Ethical Thinking - Pondering the Big Questions (ages 13-15)
David Morgan-Mar, Ph.D.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(120)
This ongoing weekly class teaches critical thinking and ethical thinking skills by posing tricky questions on a different topic each week, and guiding open and respectful discussion with all students.
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
This class teaches critical thinking and ethical thinking skills. It also encourages and teaches mature and respectful conversation with people who may disagree or hold differing opinions. Classes are limited to a maximum of 4 students, so each one has plenty of opportunity to contribute their ideas and explanations. Each week we will discuss a new topic (see list below). As class instructor I will use short story scenarios as prompts to pose various questions, and ask the students to share...
Students will learn: How to think about a question from multiple points of view. How to consider external factors that might affect someone's opinions on various topics. How to expand their thoughts on a topic to recognise things they might not have considered. How to recognise ethical questions and understand that people weight their responses differently, resulting in different opinions. How to structure their thinking in a problem solving scenario. How to listen respectfully to other people's opinions. How to present their own opinions in a respectful way, and support them with explanations. How to be constructive in a group work situation.
I am a trained and authorised teacher of Primary Ethics in the New South Wales government education system. I have been teaching Ethics face-to-face with students aged 7-12 since 2017. The curriculum covers both ethical and critical thinking. I have also been visiting schools to teach science topics to K-6 grade children (ages 5-12) since 2012.
Homework Offered
Formal homework will not be assigned. However, learners are encouraged to discuss each week's lesson with parents, to broaden the learner's experience and provide more opportunity to share their ideas with others. Parents are encouraged to provide their own comments on each week's subject, as part of exposing each learner to a range of viewpoints.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Some of the topics discussed may raise ethical dilemmas or controversies which parents may have strong views about. I never attempt to instruct students what is the "right" answer. Rather, the class is designed to show students that often there is no one "right" answer - what different people believe depends on their background, and that negotiation and compromise may be necessary. If parents have strong views on any particular topic that arises, I encourage them to discuss that topic with their children after the class. Specific topics that will NOT be discussed in this course: romantic relationships, sex.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(120)
I'm a professional scientist and photographer, with experience teaching children science and ethics in Sydney, Australia. I have a bachelor's degree in physics and mathematics, and a doctorate in astronomy. I've been a research scientist in optics...
Group Class
$14
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 51 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
2-4 learners per class
