Thanks for the comments!

Best,
Sergio

In recent years, there have been many initiatives to support a trend of learning through inquiry. In Science, the FOSS program was developed at the primary level and the CPO program was developed for the secondary level science courses. In Math, the SIMMS program was developed for the secondary level integrated Algebra and Geometry courses. While these programs are great and promote learning through inquiry (i.e. students make an observation, come up with a prediction, test their theory, and apply it to something else), many students lack these skills because they do not possess a solid foundation of the basics.

It is important for students to acquire these basic skills, which are often learned by repetition, memorization, and regurgitation. For example, students should memorize the multiplication tables and know how to do mental math involving basic arithmetic calculations. Students must also memorize how to spell words and their meanings in order to read and write more complex materials. After acquiring these basic skills can students apply them to more complex ways of thinking, known as Critical Thinking (or “Out of the Box” thinking.)

Bloom’s Taxonomy touches upon the importance of critical thinking. The ultimate display of critical thinking is when students are able to create something based on prior knowledge. The bottom of the pyramid in Bloom’s Taxonomy talks about recalling knowledge verbatim (such as a multiple choice test where people have to memorize facts), then comes understanding (restating the question in your own words), applying that knowledge to solve problems, analyzing something (identifying components and use of logic to weigh choices), synthesizing it (weighing the choices to come up with new ideas), and finally going on and creating something that requires supporting decisions and understanding of values. It is an educator’s goal to ask questions addressing the top of the pyramid where students have to create something based on knowledge gained.

Unfortunately, standardized testing is limited to multiple choice questions that require recalling information. Some attempt has been done to address higher order thinking in presenting a “Picture Prompt” where students have to analyze a picture and write what they feel. Oftentimes, this portion of the test is not answered by students because they don’t have the necessary skills to analyze and synthesize their thoughts into words. This stands true for students from various socioeconomic statuses, which shows that “poverty” is not a factor. It is very important to introduce critical thinking to students at a young age. If students learn how to think in certain ways, it becomes a habit of mind. It is our goal as educators to encourage good habits of mind.