Crtical Skills

J. Kevin Tumlinson

One of the many goals of education is for students to be able to take what they learn and transfer it to something else. For example, if I learn math skills such as algebra or geometry, the goal is for me to be able to use what I've been taught in the "real world." It does me little good to be able to solve every question in a math book if I can't transfer that skill to my every day life when needed. Imagine a carpenter who got straight "A's" in math but can't figure out the dimensions of a room!

This ability to transfer knowledge is a large part of what most people call "critical thinking skills." The ability to look at a problem creatively, use applied knowledge, and come to a useable, viable answer that wasn't learned by rote memorization - that's what true learning is all about!

Unfortunately, we as a society have moved away from teaching these skills to our children. Instead of teaching a kid how to work out a complicated algebra problem, we teach them how to use a graphing calculator. A worthy skill, but have we nurtured the child's ability to think or hindered it?

If there's one thing that every employer wants in a potential employee, it's critical thinking skills. It's possible that the ability to be an adaptive problem solver is THE most important skill you can have. If you are able to transfer skills and abilities from one field to another with ease, you are far less likely to fall behind the curve when confronted with new technology. You'll be able to adapt when your company brings in new computers, new software, or something we have yet to even imagine.

It's obvious that these skills are a low priority in today's education system. So it's up to us to take it upon ourselves. We can teach this vital skill to our kids. Here's how.

It starts with being an active part of your kid's day. It's tough sometimes, after you've been working hard all day, to sit down with your kid and go over his or her homework. But this is your chance to help your child overcome obstacles, to rise above the average, to really shine! It doesn't matter if you don't remember how to do this stuff yourself - the "process of discovery" is what the child has to be exposed to. In fact, it's better if you DON'T know what you're looking at, because it gives you a chance to be a good example on top of everything else!

After helping your child with his or her studies, the next step is to start asking questions. Of course this is will lead to eye rolling and a little moaning and groaning. Tough it out! You are the parent, after all. Kids are always going to roll their eyes at you.

Ask questions that will lead your child to think about the problem in a different way. In an algebra problem, for example, have them apply the formula for the area of a square to figure out the area of the room you are in. You see where that's going? There's an immediate, real world example for them to mull over. They'll probably start figuring out the area of every room they enter, just for kicks! Or they might not - the point is that they are exposed to looking at the world around them in light of the information they have learned.

Finally, there are thousands of useful resources to help teach critical thinking skills. The web site at www.criticalthinking.com is an excellent source of materials for teachers and parents (it's easy to remember, too!).

You want to prepare your children for the future? Do you want to give them an opportunity to excel in a world that's determined to make them mediocre? Then knuckle down for them, get them thinking, get them motivated. Sometimes, with kids as with any human being, it's as easy as just showing them that you are interested in what they're doing.

It's time to apply what YOU have learned in all new, all different ways. Don't think you have what it takes? Think again.

J. Kevin Tumlinson is a writer and a schoolteacher living in Lake Jackson, TX. He's thinking critcally about his skills right now.