Critical thinking

Critical thinking /Standard 1 Design and implement engaging and flexible learning experiences for individuals and groups/ Standard 2 Design and implement learning experiences that develop language, literacy and numeracy/Standard 3 Design and implements intellectually challenging learning experiences/ Standard 5 Assess and report constructively on student learning/Standard 6 Support personal development and participation in society.

According to (Scriven & Paul cited Uni Learning , 2001) creative thinking is

‘the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualising, applying, analysing, synthesising and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generalised by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication, as a guide to belief or action [or argument’]'

University graduates need to further develop their critical thinking skills and encourage lifelong learning practices during their studies, as professionals use critical thinking in everyday activities when frequently making decisions, evaluating actions, and reflecting upon their practices.

I am constantly learning from my past experiences to further improve and develop my skills as a professional teacher. I perform this by listening to mentor teacher feedback, student feedback and learning experience observations. I use this information to enhance learning experiences, pedagogy and assessment for the future.

This year I have participated in the following professional developments; Pat Edgar (running records), James Ferguson (reading), Interactive whiteboards, Code of Conduct/ Student Protection/ Curriculum Risk Management and University ICT certificate.

As a Learning Manager, I vary my teaching methods to cater for kinaesthetic, auditory and tactile learners who benefit from the different methods as it gives them a range of learning and assessment options to use in the classroom. I incorporate higher order thinking into my classroom instruction, as I believe this will empower my students to think critically, creatively and to regulate their own behaviour. I will do this by encouraging learners to use decision making, problem solving, invention experimental inquiry and investigations.

So, as a learning manager I include higher order thinking strategies, use meaningful learning experiences, provide student feedback and encourage lifelong learning in the classroom. These critical thinking practices will equip students for the future.




'Kym is constantly receptive to new ideas and looks for new ways to achieve tasks' (Thurecht, personal communication, September, 2011).

'Kym learns from advice, discussion, analysis and reflection' (Thurecht, personal communication, September, 2011).

'She encourages the students to self-manage their own work' (Thurecht, personal communication, September, 2011).

'Kym is aware of the different learning types of individual learning needs of students in the class' (Thurecht, personal communication, August, 2011).

'Kym critically reflects on the language she uses and the skills and strategies she demonstrates to the class. She discusses in depth the areas she feels she needs to improve' (Thurecht, personal communication, August, 2011).

'Kym is continually reflecting on her teaching practices and looking to improve on them. I have found Kym is able to critically reflect on her teaching practices, looking at both the positive and negative aspects of her teaching, and uses this reflection to constructively influence her teaching. Kym ensured that there was intellectually challenging learning experiences for all children' (Cox, personal communication, September, 2011).