But I don't think it goes far enough. "Critical Thinking" comes down to a lot of things, but basically focuses upon developing the "tools of rational thought." That is fine -- in "critical thinking" class. I have been the most strident proponent of high school students learning comparative theology. And some philosophy.
But for the core curriculum, they need to be taught hard science, hard math, hard chemistry, hard mathematics.
Do you really want to open the door on Creation when they are learning about the red shift? That the stars we see are billions of years old, but there is a contravening idea that says they are only 6,000 years old?
Kids today are coming out of High School stupid enough with the way Liberals have ruined the curriculum with experimental ways to teach English, hating white males in history, and allowing "all ideas are OK" and "optional constructs" in English.
Do you want to apply "critical thinking" for little children to use very adult-level philosophy to try to apply silly psychobabble in looking at hard facts?
That results in the kind of thinking that we have on many of these posts -- that TToE is some sort of guesswork or, worse, a Commie plot conspiracy.
You request making kids basket-cases who would make great "Jay Walking: fodder.
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But for the core curriculum, they need to be taught hard science, hard math, hard chemistry, hard mathematics."
Of course. But they must also be prepared to gain entry into college and critical thinking is now a part of the entrance placement process.
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Do you really want to open the door on Creation when they are learning about the red shift? That the stars we see are billions of years old, but there is a contravening idea that says they are only 6,000 years old?"
That "idea" is put in front of many of them when they are about 10 years old or so. I cannot envision simply trusting that they will have it undone in science class. They need to develop rational skills alongside of it.
Please remember, I'm only talking about two hours of discussion in an entire school year here. No more than that.
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Do you want to apply "critical thinking" for little children to use very adult-level philosophy to try to apply silly psychobabble in looking at hard facts?"
Do you really want to deny them that background and then see them tested on it when they prepare to go to college?
This is bulleted item #1 from the
SAT scoring explanation is for a top quality essay:
- effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position
And then on top of that students must face
an entire critical reading section.
How can you not prepare them?