Thinking About Thinking

What exactly does it mean to think critically? Since thinking is "invisible," how can teachers identify it and recognize when it's taking place? Susan Barahal

Susan Barahal's Thinking About Thinking article was published in the December 2008 edition of the Phi Delta Kappan Magazine. I've included a link here for download. Click on the article image to download a copy.

After reading this article I realized that Susan's challenge to student teachers could also be a call to veteran teachers to think about how we are planning for, and assessing if our students are thinking critically. When you think about the arts in our schools and the arts teachers role in providing the experiences our students need in order to develop critical thinking skills, you realize how important it is for arts educators to consider Susan's question:

What exactly does it mean to think critically? Since thinking is "invisible," how can teachers identify it and recognize when it's taking place? Susan Barahal

I will open these questions to all arts teachers out there. What's your answer?

Governor Declares March Arts Education Month

Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts has issued a proclamation declaring March as Arts Education Month in Massachusetts.  Simultaneously, the MA State Senate passed a strong resolution encouraging communities to support arts education and to publicize arts events around the state. Visit the MAEC website to read more information.