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Decision Making, Critical Thinking & Framing Arguments for Pre-Teens (Ongoing)

This ongoing class focuses on “how to think” and make good decisions. This becomes learning to write good arguments and the beginning of debate preparation. Identifying faulty thinking is an essential life skill.
Mike Hatcher
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:
(396)
Class
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What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. There will be an average of 1 hour of homework for class. This will include weekly assignments that follow the class lesson that will integrate with the Student Entrepreneur Project Presentation.
Assessment
Available if requested based on class participation, preparation for discussions, and the Student Presentation.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
The class will combine 3 elements: teaching instruction focused on the topic/theme, student examples (from the previous week’s topic), and class discussion. 

Each week students will find examples of the class topic/theme found in the media, online, in a commercial or advertisement.  Students will be encouraged to bring these to class for discussion. 

In class, we will solve problems related to the topic/theme together as a group.

The ongoing format means learners can develop relationships with an intellectual peer group, through regular contact, discussion, and participation. 

Class Lesson Topics
•	Essentials in a good argument 
•	10 logic fallacies - becoming a fallacy detective.
•	Building great arguments - debate preparation.
•	Deceptive arguments in advertising.

Additional Details on Teaching Methodology and Practice 
My teaching method uses a combination of several elements, with attention to the class's age group, in order to make the learning process as strong as possible. I include a Student Syllabus and PowerPoint presentation, often use a text (that I summarize - usually the 3 main points), Case Studies, and personal stories to make either a good point or to make the wrong choice clear. I use an interactive Socratic question teaching approach, summarize/quiz about the main points of the class content 2-3 times during a class, randomly call on students to answer a question (rather than just have kids raise hands to keep everyone engaged), and include a student presentation project with a written component - that coincides with the topic theory (for the multi-day sessions). I ask all students to take during class and typically hand out a note-taking sheet.
Learning Goals
1. Learn critical thinking steps before forming an opinion.    
2. Spotting logic fallacies – and framing their thoughts with sound logic.    
3. How these principles play out when reading, hearing lectures and speaking.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Mastering Logical Fallacies: The Definitive Guide to Flawless Rhetoric and Bulletproof Logic, Michael Withey Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman
Joined April, 2020
4.6
396reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology
I’ve taught in the nonprofit sector for 20 years, public/private education for 6+ years, and homeschooled 2 boys for 8 years. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$17

weekly or $65 for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Completed by 246 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-12 learners per class

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