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<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Is the large, bold print a rhetorical tool to make us think more critically? ;-)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial size=2>Andres</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>Please visit my art website at:</FONT></DIV>
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<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov on behalf of Kearney Lykins<BR><B>Sent:</B> Fri 7/11/2008 12:06 PM<BR><B>To:</B> The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List<BR><B>Subject:</B> [ProfessionalDevelopment 2264] Re: Whatdowemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
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<P>"Critical thinking" is a new term for an old idea. </P>
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<P>Before it became disparaged by the modernists, "rhetoric" was not a bad word; it was the counterpart of dialectic and, in noble hands, was synonymous with "reason." In other words, rhetoric, defined as the ability to speak and write more effectively, also trains one to think more effectively. The best literature I could recommend on the topic comes from the rhetoricians and philosophers who explain how the ability to present a persuasive case to others makes one a better thinker (and a better person) for himself. </P>
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<P>Three classic texts to start with would be:</P>
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<P>Isocrates, "Against the Sophists"</P>
<P>Aristotle, "The Rhetoric"</P>
<P>Cicero (perhaps) <EM>Ad Herennium</EM></P>
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<P>Again, the classic rhetoric I am recommending here should not be confused with the word's modern negative connotation. But mounds of wisdom have been dispensed on the topic of critical thinking, under a different name.</P>
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<DIV>Kearney<BR> </DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 40px"><FONT color=#0000ff><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)"><SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></SPAN></SPAN></FONT> ----- Original Message ----<BR>From: Bonnie Odiorne <bonniesophia@sbcglobal.net><BR>To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List <professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov><BR>Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 1:25:16 PM<BR>Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2262] Re: Whatdo wemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR><BR></DIV>
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<P>Andrea, </P>
<P>You're right. I don't think anyone has. Does anyone know of anything in the literature that comes close, except Bloom's taxonomy, which addresses levels of understanding and logical manipulation, and some say creativity, as being the highest level rather than (I think) synthesis. I think Gardner does in multiple intelligences, since he talks about the intellligences as ways of making meaning in the world. What about Brookfield? I've read some but not all of that. I certainly think critical thinking can occur in all situations, not just those one would label as linguistic or academic. In fact Quinnipiac University in CT is having a conference this fall in Writing across the disciplines and critical thinking, since writing is rarely mentioned as a factor that builds thinking, when in fact it does, or can. The keynote speaker's topic is critical thinking as poetry, and I can see the point. A certain kind of "out of the box" association of different domains to create something new, whether it's actually a poem, or a paper, or a language behavior, or surviving in the world.... Any thoughts, anyone?</P>
<P>Bonnie Odiorne, Post University</P>
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<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman, new york, times, serif">----- Original Message ----<BR>From: Andrea Wilder <andreawilder@comcast.net><BR>To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List <professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov><BR>Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 1:06:34 PM<BR>Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2261] Re: Whatdo wemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR><BR>Everyone--
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<DIV>Have we defined "critical thinking?" I've gone over most of the posts, and the authors cover a wide range of behaviors that they are calling "critical thinking." </DIV>
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<DIV>I, too, sometimes swallow an argument hook line and sinker. I can get swept away by someone else's argument unless I have thought through the problem or issue very carefully--anticipating the questions or assertions from others.</DIV>
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<DIV>Andrea</DIV>
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<DIV>On Jul 11, 2008, at 12:16 PM, Bonnie Odiorne wrote:</DIV><BR class=Apple-interchange-newline>
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<P>Good example, Jeff. I had a friend with dizziness and that's <EM>exactly</EM> what the high-priced tests and clinics told him to do. Your pose made me think also of those of low literacy or language ability who somehow manage to function quite well: they have become "survival-smart"--if there is such an intelligence--and taken cues from their environment to adapt their behaviors.</P>
<P>Bonnie</P>
<P>Post University</P>
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<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman, new york, times, serif">----- Original Message ----<BR>From: Alpha Computer Training and COnsulting <<A href="mailto:alphact@eastlink.ca" target=_blank rel=nofollow>alphact@eastlink.ca</A>><BR>To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List <<A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A>><BR>Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 11:52:33 AM<BR>Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2259] Re: Whatdo wemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR><BR>Hi Cynthia and Philip,<BR><BR>Good thought provoking messages. Your comments made me think of my wife.<BR>She had a dizziness problem for years that she could not seem to get fixed.<BR>But what she did was amazing, since I think it relates to this discussion.<BR>She became a master at avoiding movements that brought about her dizziness.<BR>She unknowingly used critical thinking to avoid her problem. This makes me<BR>wonder how others unknowingly use critical thinking to avoid issues in their<BR>lives. This could involve reading, writing and other skills necessary to<BR>perform tasks. People can unknowingly, through the own critical thinking,<BR>get around with their skill set and function in society. These people have<BR>get critical thinking skills, that have enabled them to be successful in<BR>areas where we could not imagine. People need to give themselves more<BR>credit for what they can do than what they can not do! It makes me wonder<BR>how these skills came about.<BR><BR>Jeff Brown<BR>Alpha Computer Training and Consulting<BR>(902)956-2600<BR>E-mail: <A href="mailto:info@alphacomputer.ca" target=_blank rel=nofollow>info@alphacomputer.ca</A><BR><A href="http://www.alphacomputer.ca/" target=_blank rel=nofollow>www.alphacomputer.ca</A><BR><BR><BR>-----Original Message-----<BR>From: <A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov</A><BR>[mailto:<A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov</A>] On Behalf Of Cynthia<BR>Peters<BR>Sent: July-11-08 11:18 AM<BR>To: <A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR>Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2258] Re: Whatdo<BR>wemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR><BR>Philip -- I think what you're raising is important. Can you share any<BR>strategies you've used to help students feel comfortable expressing what<BR>they know about the world?<BR><BR>Also, do you have any thoughts on how to do PD in a way that develops<BR>*teachers'* critical thinking skills. I do believe it's a skill for all<BR>of us to be honing all the time.<BR><BR>Cynthia<BR><BR><BR>>>> "Anderson, Philip" <<A href="mailto:Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org" target=_blank rel=nofollow>Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org</A>> 07/10/08 5:09 PM >>><BR>Good points, Andy. I appreciate your response. I think I should have<BR>said that their critical thinking skills lead them to hide what they<BR>know about the world - it is a strategy that has kept them safe in<BR>situations that they felt may pose danger. <BR><BR>What I think we might need to include in PD is the fact that adult ELLs,<BR>no matter their level, often have good critical thinking skills. Some<BR>teachers may at times perceive the low level adult ELL students as<BR>persons who are underdeveloped in their critical thinking skills, and<BR>not, as you said, the same as they are, people who do have critical<BR>thinking skills even though they may apply them inconsistently, and who<BR>could perhaps benefit from thinking in new and varied ways. <BR><BR><BR>CONTACT INFORMATION<BR>Philip Anderson<BR>Adult ESOL Program<BR>Florida Department of Education<BR>Tel (850) 245-9450<BR><BR><BR><BR>Please take a few minutes to provide feedback on the quality of service<BR>you received from our staff. The Department of Education values your<BR>feedback as a customer. Commissioner of Education Dr. Eric J. Smith is<BR>committed to continuously assessing and improving the level and quality<BR>of services provided to you.Simply use the link below. Thank you in<BR>advance for completing the survey.<BR><BR><BR><A href="http://data.fldoe.org/cs/default.cfm?staff=Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org|17:04:0" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://data.fldoe.org/cs/default.cfm?staff=Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org|17:04:0</A><BR>4%20Thu%2010%20Jul%202008<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>-----Original Message-----<BR>From: <A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov</A><BR>[mailto:<A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment-bounces@nifl.gov</A>] On Behalf Of Andy Nash<BR>Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 4:16 PM<BR>To: <A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR>Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2253] Re: Whatdo<BR>wemeanbystudentinvolvement and critical thinking?<BR><BR>Hmm, I see it more as a matter of being inconsistent in where and how we<BR>use those critical thinking skills. I consider myself a pretty critical<BR>thinker, but there are many times I'll hear someone else questioning<BR>something that I bought hook, line, and sinker - I didn't think at all<BR>critically about it. I believe that adult students are the same, which<BR>is why it's useful to invite critical thinking in new and varied areas. <BR>Andy Nash<BR><BR>>>> "Anderson, Philip" <<A href="mailto:Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org" target=_blank rel=nofollow>Philip.Anderson@fldoe.org</A>> 07/10/08 3:46 PM >>><BR><BR>What I am getting at here is that it may be important to recognize that<BR>adult ELLs brim with critical thinking skills, but they also have<BR>developed a (survival?) technique for hiding these skills from those<BR>they perceive to be in authority and have more "school knowledge" than<BR>they have. Our professional development system may need to be sure to<BR>prepare teachers for working successfully with these students. <BR><BR>CONTACT INFORMATION<BR>Philip Anderson<BR>Adult ESOL Program<BR>Florida Department of Education<BR>Tel (850) 245-9450<BR><BR><BR>----------------------------------------------------<BR>National Institute for Literacy<BR>Adult Literacy Professional Development mailing list<BR><A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR><BR>To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to<BR><A href="http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment</A><BR><BR>Professional Development section of the Adult Literacy Education Wiki <BR><A href="http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Devel" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Devel</A><BR>opment<BR>----------------------------------------------------<BR>National Institute for Literacy<BR>Adult Literacy Professional Development mailing list<BR><A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR><BR>To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to<BR><A href="http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment</A><BR><BR>Professional Development section of the Adult Literacy Education Wiki <BR><A href="http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Developme" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Developme</A><BR>nt<BR><BR>----------------------------------------------------<BR>National Institute for Literacy<BR>Adult Literacy Professional Development mailing list<BR><A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR><BR>To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to<BR><A href="http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment</A><BR><BR>Professional Development section of the Adult Literacy Education Wiki <BR><A href="http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Developme" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Developme</A><BR>nt<BR><BR>----------------------------------------------------<BR>National Institute for Literacy<BR>Adult Literacy Professional Development mailing list<BR><A href="mailto:professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov" target=_blank rel=nofollow>professionaldevelopment@nifl.gov</A><BR><BR>To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to <A href="http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/professionaldevelopment</A><BR><BR>Professional Development section of the Adult Literacy Education Wiki <BR><A href="http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Development" target=_blank rel=nofollow>http://wiki.literacytent.org/index.php/Adult_Literacy_Professional_Development</A><BR></DIV></DIV></DIV>
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