The Role of Thinking In Education

Abstract

Introduction:  "What are we supposed to learn," Harry asks in Harry 5.  A moment later he answers his own question; "We should be learning how to think."  "We do learn how to think," was Mark's response, "but we never learn to think for ourselves . . . They're always trying to fill my mind full of all sorts of junk."  This exchange comes as part of a discussion between Harry, Mark, and Maria concerning the purposes of education.  Some of the other suggestions made are learning how to solve problems and learning how to ask questions.