Host Ana Torres is joined by nationally recognized educational consultant and thought leader Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., to discuss what critical thinkng is and how to help students develop it. In addition to explaining why critical thinking is crucial for long-term academic success, Mitchell also gives educators four clear steps that they can implement to effectively develop critical thinking skills in their classrooms. Ana is then joined by Classroom Insider extraordinaire Eric Cross, who discusses how he encourages his students to hone their critical thinking skills in his classroom.

Show notes:

• Visit Mitchell Brookins' website: https://brookinsconsulting.org/
• Connect with Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-brookins-ph-d-6a7259274
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplify.education/
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years: https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/

Quotes:

"When you're a school administrator, you can't be confusd as to what your identity is. People expect you to step in with voice, with passion, with vision, and direct the path," —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"[Critical thinking] is actually cognitive support. It's a mental act of process in which you acquire knowledge and understanding." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"When I see questioning that probes, that's how I know I'm in a classroom where a teacher honors students' thinking. It is an honor to hear what children have to think." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"That's how you know your in a classroom with critical thinking: We're not rushing the conversation. We're enjoying it." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"There's an art and a science to teaching, and I think that they're two different things." —Eric Cross

"The importance of modeling can't be overstated." —Ana Torres