How Do We Teach Students to Think

Abstract

Introduction:  Whatever else teachers may consider vital to their work, all aim to teach students to think.  When asked to state their fundamental purpose, most teachers say that education deals with mental development.  This idea has permeated the thinking of ancient scholars as well as moderns.  We read in Plato that Socrates maintained that the unexamined life was unfit to live.  Turning to John Dewey, we still find reflective thought and reasoning a central theme.  Whenever elementary, secondary, or college teachers remove their minds from the immediate task of teaching history, spelling, or chemistry and ask, "What is this job all about? What am I trying to do for these young people and myself?", they seek fundamentals that go beyond the immediate task.  Helping students to lead a reasoning, thoughtful life is certainly one of these fundamentals.