MIndsets Book Study - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Why is Critical Thinking Important in a Growth Mindset Class Culture?
A book study of Mindsets in the Classroom by Mary Cay Ricci.

There are three types of critical thinking

1. Reasoning

2. Making judgements/decisions

3. Problem solving

Here are some Highlights and Take It and Use Its from Chapter 4.

Critical Thinking Growth Mindset Project

Ricci wanted to test her theories on cognitive abilities and critical thinking experiences so she created this project. It included six Title 1 schools with 53 classrooms of 2nd and 3rd grade students which included critical thinking professional development for teachers. 
Ricci describes a conversation she had with two ESOL students after playing ThinkFun's Rush Hour game. In response to Ricci's question 
"What makes you think that you can do it?" (play the game) 
A student responds:

"Because when I try, I know I am getting smarter by making connections and the new connections will help me do it!'

Here is a video of how to play the Rush Hour game.

This demonstrates the critical thinking involved in the game. Many teachers from the project reported that they felt that student perseverance increased with a combination of the ThinkFun games (like the one above) and growth mindset discussions!

Don't forget to link up with the Hello Sunshine teachers blog to be a part of this book study!

Chapter 5 is called How Can Students Learn from Failure?

Hope to see you there!