1. Lectures You may of course directly teach critical thinking principles to your students during lecture,
but this is neither required nor advisable. Stay with your subject matter, but present this is such a way that students will
be encouraged to think critically about it. This is accomplished during lecture by questioning the students in ways that require
that they not only understand the material, but can analyze it and apply it to new situations.
2. Laboratories Students inevitably practice critical thinking during laboratories in science class, because they
are learning the scientific method.
3. Homework Both traditional reading homework and special written problem sets or questions can be used to enhance
critical thinking. Homework presents many opportunities to encourage critical thinking.
4. Quantitative Exercises Mathematical exercises and quantitative word problems teach problem solving skills that
can be used in everyday life. This obviously enhances critical thinking.
5. Term Papers The best way to teach critical thinking is to require that students write. Writing forces students
to organize their thoughts, contemplate their topic, evaluate their data in a logical fashion, and present their conclusions
in a persuasive manner. Good writing is the epitome of good critical thinking.
6. Exams Exam questions can be devised which promote critical thinking rather than rote memorization. This is true
for both essay question exams and multiple-choice exams.
