Using Mysteries to Build Critical Thinking Skills
In this 6-week class you child will learn practical skills to aid in critical thinking and solve a mystery (or two) during each class.
Veronica Copenhaver
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(112)
What's included
6 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. includedGrading
includedClass Experience
Critical thinking and problem solving are necessary skills in life and in the job market so why not start practicing them now and learning the necessary skills that go along with them. This is going to be lively and engaging class as we talk about problem solving and critical thinking. Each class will have different mysteries to reinforce the skills discussed. Students will be able to take what we talk about it class and make personal application because critical thinking is a skill they are already using whether they realize it or not.
Learning Goals
Students will practice using skills needed for critical thinking.Students will brainstorm places and times they've needed critical thinking skills.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1 - Introduction, Asking Questions and Analyzing Arguments
During this class students will be introduced to the concept of critical thinking and discuss why it's important. We will also talk about two steps involved in critical thinking - asking questions and analyzing arguments. Students will practice doing both of those skills. Each class will end with a mystery to solve (or two if we have time). 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2 - Evaluating the Evidence and Considering Multiple Perspectives
In this lesson we will talk about how to gather "evidence" (aka information) and evaluate how reliable and accurate it is. We will also discuss the benefits of considering multiple perspectives. Each class will end with a mystery to solve (or two if we have time). 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3 - Challenging Assumptions and Identifying Biases
In this lesson, we will talk about how it's important to challenge (think about, be discerning) your assumptions. We will talk about how those assumptions can limit potential solutions and limit creativity. We will also discuss how we all view the world through our experiences and those can limit our creativity and thought process. Each class will end with a mystery to solve (or two if we have time). 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 4 - Seeking Out Reliable Sources and Active Listening
In this lesson we will talk about how sources need to be reliable, and students will talk about places they get reliable information. That means listening to others so we will also talk about how to practice active listening. Each class will end with a mystery to solve (or two if we have time). 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined November, 2021
5.0
112reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Hi! I'm teacher Veronica. I've been teaching for over 20 years. I’ve taught in both brick-and-mortar classrooms as well as online. I’ve been homeschooling my children since they were in kindergarten. I LOVE to memorize. I started memorizing large passages in 2010 and it's become an addiction with me. I'm offering classes that teach students how to memorize using classic poems. Not only does your child walk away with a poem memorized but more importantly he/she is learning a life-long skill of how to memorize and retain the passage. I'm also enjoying creating classes on problem solving. In these classes, students enjoy solving a mystery, but more importantly I'm teaching them how to think critically and ask questions. I'm laying a foundation of what problem solving looks like and how it can be used in our every day lives. My husband and I lived in Alaska for 18 years with our three children. We now reside in Michigan with our kids, one cat and one dog. One of my favorite things to do is walk around our neighborhood with my husband and enjoy the beauty. In Alaska we even walked when it was -30 degrees.Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly or $90 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-4 learners per class
