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ACT Skills / Achieve / Critical Thinking

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Critical Thinking

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Critical thinking is conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion. Critical thinking involves disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

 

Research shows that critical thinking is linked to college and career readiness. Young people with strong critical thinking skills analyze relationships between ideas, consider perspectives other than their own, explore multiple solutions to problems, and use evidence to support their conclusions.

 

The following case studies are examples of after school programming at various grade levels.

 

Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion

Elementary

View Case Study

 

Harlem Lacrosse

Middle School

View Case Study

 

Brigham & Women’s – Project TEACH

High School

View Case Study

  • See in Action
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Learn how exemplar programs in Boston are intentionally cultivating critical thinking.

 

 

Programs can use the following strategies to work on critical thinking skills with youth.

Critical Thinking Rubric
The PEAR Institute
Download
Critical Thinking Rubric 2
The PEAR Institute
Download
Critical Thinking Program Practices by Skill Outcome
National Institute on Out-of-School Time
Download
Badging Practices Brief
Recommendations from BASB's Pilot
Download
20 Questions to Guide Inquiry-Based Learning
TeachThought
Download
4 Phases of Inquiry-Based Learning: A Guide for Teachers
TeachThought
Download

Research shows that critical thinking is an important skill for young people. Programs can use these resources to inform their practices.

Research Summary: Critical Thinking
Compiled by Boston After School & Beyond
Download
Field Guide
Promising Practices for Social and Emotional Learning
Download
Critical Thinking - Concepts and Tools
The Foundation for Critical Thinking
Download

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  • About
  • ACT Skills
    • About the ACT Framework
    • Achieve
    • Connect
    • Thrive
  • Best Practices
    • Recruitment & Engagement
    • Attendance
    • Partnerships
    • Staffing
    • Transportation
    • Instructional Quality
    • STEM
  • Case Studies
    • Program Organization & Structure
    • Supportive Environment
    • Engagement in Activities & Learning
    • ACT Skills Framework
  • Resources
    • School Year 2020-2021
    • Documents
    • Reports

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