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AACEO3: Creative Thinking AB (2012-2013)

CURRICULUM PROGRAM: Special Education
COURSE TITLE: Creative Thinking AB
CALENDAR YEAR: 2012-2013
GRADE LEVEL: 5-8
CODE: AACEO3
TYPE: SE
CREDITS:
COURSE LENGTH: 18 weeks

Major Concepts/Content: The critical thinking and creative problem solving course is designed to develop students’ higher level thinking, problem solving, and research skills. The course provides challenging critical and creative problem solving opportunities and allows students to make connections across disciplines through problem-based learning activities.

Major Instructional Activities: The course includes a wide variety of interdisciplinary projects and activities with extended learner outcomes. Direct instruction in creative and critical thinking strategies, problem solving skills and inquiry models will be provided. Students will learn how to conduct research in the social sciences to prepare them for developing their own in-depth investigations that include concepts and skills covered in the standard middle school curriculum.

Major Evaluative Techniques: A variety of student products are developed that synthesize the concepts presented and the information gained from individual research. Projects may include dramatic performances, creative exhibits, essays, oral presentations, multimedia creations and literary works. Major evaluation techniques are teacher and student assessment of products and performances. Assessment criteria are established as the assignments are undertaken.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students should be able to

• Be able to identify problems, construct solutions and present findings in various forms.
• Apply their interests, knowledge, creativity, and task commitment to self-selected problems or areas of study.
• Assess their own and others’ written and project work.