Teen Confidence (Ages 15-18): How and Why to Think Critically (3 Weeks)
Help your teen develop an open, curious and independent mind, developing critical thinking skills so they can think for themselves in a world of conformity and distractions. Equip them with the wisdom to thrive with their own free mind.
Bobby Vincench
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework for each week will simply be to look for experiences in daily life where the critical thinking ideas and skills learned in the prior week are relevant and applicable. We will discuss at the start of the next week's class. The final week's homework will be to continue learning how to think critically, starting by learning about the scientific method (this will not be discussed in another class as it will occur after the final class).Class Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Embark on a journey of truth-seeking and independent critical thought in this 3-session online class. Journey into the dark cave of ignorance and be liberated by the light of truth, learning the art of cultivating an open, curious and free mind. Master the ability to recognize common pitfalls in reasoning, like logical fallacies and cognitive biases, enabling you to navigate this sometimes crazy and confusing world with more precision (rejecting conformity). Through the lens of a critical mind, you will discover the transformative power of seeking and uncovering truth, emerging with newfound clarity and confidence to thrive in your life with your own free mind. This class does not use tests, quizzes, grades, etc. We utilize lecture, reflective and thoughtful questions for the learners to consider, learner sharing and discussion, and life-based homework between class sessions. Week 1: - Importance of thinking critically and seeking truth - Developing your curious and open mind - Challenging assumptions - Reducing distractions - Plato's Allegory of the Cave Week 2: - Reflect on last week's homework - Evaluating evidence (challenges and tips) - Logical fallacies Week 3: - Reflect on last week's homework - Argument analysis - Cognitive biases - Living with a renewed free mind - What's next?
Learning Goals
1. Cultivate an independent mindset: Understand the importance of thinking for oneself and resisting societal pressures to conform, empowering learners to confidently navigate their own path.
2. Foster curiosity and open-mindedness: Explore the value of curiosity in seeking truth and knowledge, and nurture an open mind that welcomes new ideas and perspectives.
3. Gain powerful perspective from Plato's Allegory of the Cave: Explore the allegory as a metaphor for the journey from ignorance to enlightenment, drawing parallels to the quest for truth and critical thinking in today's world.
4. Develop critical thinking skills: Learn to identify and avoid common pitfalls in reasoning such as logical fallacies and cognitive biases, enabling clearer and more rational decision-making.
5. Navigate falsehoods and uncertainty: Equip learners with the tools to sift through information and navigate the complexities of an increasingly uncertain world with clarity and precision.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1
- Importance of thinking critically and seeking truth
- Developing your curious and open mind
- Challenging assumptions
- Reducing distractions
- Plato's Allegory of the Cave 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2
- Reflect on last week's homework
- Evaluating evidence (challenges and tips)
- Logical fallacies 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3
- Reflect on last week's homework
- Argument analysis
- Cognitive biases
- Living with a renewed free mind
- What's next? 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Welcome, proud parents, to our multi-session class focused on key elements of critical and independent thinking for teenagers! Buckle up for an exhilarating ride as your child dives headfirst into the world of questioning everything, challenging assumptions, and seeking truth like a fearless truth-seeking missile.
This class is non-political, non-partisan, and learners are not encouraged to believe any particular ideas beyond HOW AND WHY TO CRITICALLY. However, expect your child to begin thinking more clearly and confidently, seeking out new perspectives and ideas, and forming stronger opinions on their own (on any number of topics and areas of life).
Here's the scoop: By the end of this course, your teenager might develop a superpower known as "critical thinking." This means they'll start questioning things they're told and the way they engage others, and this could make things at home a little more... interesting.
But wait, there's more! Your child might become annoyingly skeptical at times (or all the time), refusing to accept anything at face value until a valid and logical explanation is provided. No, we aren't encouraging or directing them to do this... but it may be a natural result of them being encouraged to think more critically. Get ready for more interesting discussions at the dinner table!
I should also mention the coming joys of them challenging authority in general. It's possible they just might start questioning your parental wisdom, making you explain why "because I said so" is not a valid argument anymore (encouraging you to explain exactly WHY your command or idea should be followed, while also providing them an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas as well).
But fear not, dear parents! Despite the potential for your enlightened little Socrates to challenge things with more mental clarity than before, rest assured that your child will emerge from this class as a more confident independent thinker better-equipped to navigate this complex world.
I'm here if you have ANY questions.
Supply List
A way to take notes and write down their thoughts and ideas.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined February, 2024
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a lifelong independent thinker and certified confidence coach (among other experience), and a passion for many decades learning how to seek and find truth in the world, think for oneself amidst many influences and resources, and help others think for themselves and build more self-esteem and confidenceReviews
Live Group Course
$19
weekly or $57 for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 15-18
2-10 learners per class
