Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

The World Is Flat, by Friedman (2005), points out that the convergence of a
digital world with shifting global economic power has transformed education needs. Not
only does society need more education, but also the right education. We need to
develop new constructs that teach synthesis, higher-order thinking, and problem-
solving skills. The ability to memorize is quickly fading in our information rich society,
where a Google search can return millions of references in a matter of seconds. Society
needs more synthesizers capable of filtering divergent sources into a coherent, relevant
whole, in addition to new pedagogies to test skill acquisition (Bedigian, 2006).

Technology is an agent of change, spurring our redefinition of time and space. In

1998, for the first time in 50 years, young people's television viewing time declined.
Television viewing gave way to the Internet, video games, hand-held computers,
pagers, cell phones, wireless technologies, and personal digital assistants (PDAs)
(Fleischman, 2006). As emerging technologies rapidly become commonplace, how do
we keep pace? One method of forecasting the future is by predicting computing power
advances.

Educational Software Types

With a varied assortment of educational software at hand, teachers are able to

individualize instruction to enrich or remediate as necessary for student success. A
standards-based curriculum ensures students' continued growth according to identified
standards, along with those strategies that will enable attainment of those outcomes.
Teachers who understand how software might best be integrated into a standards-
based curriculum will need to be aware of the different types of software that are
available.

Drill-and-Practice/Instructional Game Software

In general, drill-and-practice software allows learners to encounter facts,

relationships, problems, and vocabulary that they have previously learned until the
material is committed to memory or until a particular skill has been refined. The best
drill-and-practice software possesses an interesting format that encourages repeated
use by students, thus establishing the stimulus- response association required for
memorization of certain facts. Sequential learning tasks and immediate feedback assist
the student in the mastery of the skill. Drill-and-practice programs utilize brief, effective
feedback, either giving students another chance for incorrect answers or giving positive,
motivating reinforcement for correct responses. Students should be able to control the
rate of the program, taking as long as they need to answer a question, and they should
also have the ability to quit the program at any time and resume at the place they left
off when they return.

Integrated Learning Systems

Category Description. Integrated learning systems (ILSs) have offered schools

comprehensive instructional and management features for decades. Largely traditional
in methodology, the expensive ILSs are networked software compilations that address
objectives in the core curriculum areas. Pretests, instruction, practice, and posttests are
designed to be aligned with national or district curriculum goals. Students typically work
independently, and their progres is tracked and reported automatically. When they have
mastered a particular set of objectives, they advance to the next section. Teachers can
monitor students' performance by examining reports printed out by the system and can
choose to supplement the electronic instruction as necessary.

Practical Integration. The adoption of an ILS often makes the transition to using
technology easier for schools because the curriculum is completely prepared. This
packaged approach, however, may not always allow for easy integration into other
outside curriculum. The software systems are generally intended to stand alone as the
sole source of instruction. The systems follow a typically behaviorist approach to
learning, funneling all students through a linear presentation of the curriculum.

The easy mistake many schools make is assuming that when technology is
brought into their classrooms, these curriculum delivery systems will adequately replace
their teachers. Another misconception is that the introduction of ILSs satisfactorily
prepares students with technology skills. Just because students access lessons or
assessments using the computer does not mean they are gaining important
communication, information management, and problem-solving skills that broader
technology use can help to develop.

Care must be taken to ensure that the instructional format and content provide
the best learning opportunity for each student. Current beliefs about the variety of
learning styles found in any group of students have led to the understanding that any
one method will likely not be sufficiently individualized to be successful. The human
teacher is needed to orchestrate ILS use so that the most instructional benefit can be
derived by each student. If your school has adopted an ILS, be prepared to assume the
role of an instructional facilitator. Be aware of the content and format of the software
so as to anticipate student needs and questions. Rather than relying solely on the
automatic records of each student's progress, Investigate further to be sure that
students are getting the instruction they need.

Problem-Solving Software

Category Description. Problem-solving software requires students to apply higher

order strategies and synthesize knowledge from multiple curricular areas in order to
solve problems. Students can test hypotheses, learn from mistakes, and refine skills as
they gain mastery of problem-solving techniques. Software of this type can provide
practice in solving problems by modeling general critical thinking steps, by focusing on
specific subject-area issues, or by creating an open environment in which students can
discover their own strategies. Whatever the method, problem-solving software affords
the user more freedom than does drill-and-practice or tutorial software, but may or may
not present the real-world context that characterizes simulation software.

Practical Integration. Effective problem solving is built by continuous practice and

experience in a variety of meaningful situations. This understanding must be clear in
teachers' minds as they plan a place for problem-solving software in the daily workings
of a classroom. No software can be used as the sole tool for developing students'
critical thinking abilities. Instead, software should be seen as one effective component
in a repertoire of activities that promote the acquisition of higher-order thinking skills.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in developing
students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Integrating ICT into education
provides students with tools and resources that enhance their cognitive abilities and
prepare them for the challenges of the modern world. ICT utilization in education
provides a dynamic and interactive learning environment that promotes critical thinking
and problem-solving skills. It empowers students to analyze information, collaborate
effectively, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations, preparing them for the
challenges they will face in their future endeavors. Here are several ways in which ICT
utilization contributes to the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills:

1. Access to Information:
o ICT provides students with instant access to a vast amount of information
from various sources. This encourages them to analyze, evaluate, and
synthesize information, fostering critical thinking skills.
o Students learn to discern the credibility and reliability of online sources,
promoting information literacy.
2. Collaborative Learning:
o Collaborative learning through ICT encourages the exchange of diverse
perspectives, promoting critical thinking and exposing students to
different problem-solving approaches.
3. Simulation and Modeling:
o ICT allows for the creation of simulations and models that simulate real-
world scenarios. Students can experiment with these models, observe
outcomes, and analyze the results.
o Simulation-based learning helps students apply theoretical knowledge to
practical situations, enhancing problem-solving skills.
4. Interactive Learning Platforms:
o Educational software and interactive learning platforms engage students
in a dynamic learning process. These tools often present challenges and
puzzles that require critical thinking to solve.
o Gamification elements in educational software make learning more
enjoyable while stimulating problem-solving abilities.
5. Real-World Problem Solving:
o ICT enables students to tackle real-world problems through project-based
learning. This approach requires critical thinking as students analyze
issues, identify solutions, and implement strategies.
o Exposure to authentic problems helps students develop problem-solving
skills applicable in various contexts.

Here are some ICT tools and platforms that can be effective in fostering these skills:

1. Online Discussion Forums:

o Discussion Boards (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard): Forums encourage
students to engage in critical discussions, share perspectives, and respond
to each other's ideas, promoting critical thinking through interaction and
debate.
o
2. Mind Mapping Tools:
o MindMeister, XMind, or Coggle: These tools help students visually
organize and connect ideas. Mind mapping enhances critical thinking by
encouraging students to see relationships between concepts and
synthesize information.
o
3. Coding and Programming Platforms:
 o Scratch, Code.org, or Python platforms: Learning to code not only
improves problem-solving skills but also fosters logical thinking. Coding
projects often require students to break down complex problems into
smaller, manageable tasks.

4. Simulation Software:
o PhET Interactive Simulations: These interactive simulations cover
various science and math concepts, allowing students to experiment with
virtual scenarios and develop problem-solving skills in a controlled
environment.
o
5. Educational Games:
o Kahoot!, Quizizz, or educational game apps: Gamified learning can
engage students in problem-solving activities while making the learning
process enjoyable. These tools often present challenges and puzzles that
require critical thinking to solve.
o
6. Online Research Databases:
o Google Scholar, JSTOR, or other academic databases: Encourage
students to conduct research, evaluate sources, and critically analyze
information. This enhances their ability to discern reliable information and
think critically about the content they encounter.
o
7. Project Management Tools:
o Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Planner: These tools help students
organize and manage projects. Through planning, prioritizing, and
tracking progress, students develop problem-solving skills in a practical
context.
o
8. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR):
o Google Expeditions, Oculus Education: AR and VR can immerse
students in realistic scenarios, providing a hands-on experience that
enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
o
9. Online Quizzing and Assessment Tools:
o Socrative, Quizlet, or Formative: These tools can be used for
formative assessments, encouraging students to think critically about the
content and apply their knowledge in various ways.

It's crucial for educators to integrate these tools thoughtfully into their teaching
methods, ensuring that they align with the learning objectives and promote active
engagement and critical thinking among students.