A simple introduction to Critical Thinking. It focuses on questioning in order to arrive at a theory.
Using information about the mysteries surrounding the Nazca lines, in Peru, learners are asked to develop a theory which explains this phenomenon. It includes consideration of the existence of aliens as well as theories advanced by recognised experts in this area. There are inevitable light-hearted factors for this reason!
The mantra here is to remain open-minded until you have the evidence to form an opinion, to challenge what you know and be prepared to investigate what you don’t. There are opportunities for further investigation and a presentation on the topic at the end of the session.
This resource is part of THREE Critical Thinking resources. It could be used as part of a study skills activity. Ideally aimed at KS4 and beyond, though elements could be easily adapted for KS3 learners.
Covers: What is Discrimination?, Understanding Discrimination, two role plays and a case study activity.
Tutorial activity in prezi.
Suitable for both vertical and horizontal tutor groups.
Includes discussion activity and Employability and Learning framework.
By 2025 it is estimated that over 5 million jobs in the UK will be lost to automation and robots.
This means that the job market that current school students will be joining will be vastly different from the one we know today.
The skills required to compete and thrive in this world will be those that robots and computers find difficult to copy.
Soft-skills, like creativity, communication and working with others will become vital for job seekers of the future.
Interactive resource in prezi. Contains video and infographic content.
Suitable for individuals, groups and parents.
Aimed at KS3, KS4 and KS5
This Critical Thinking resource examines how to develop a line of enquiry. It is the second session in three separate Critical Thinking resources. It reinforces the need to challenge what we learn by asking questions which provide further information as well as to establish the validity of what has been discovered. It does this via 6 steps:
Step 1: What do we know already?
Step 2: Why is it important to the enquiry?
Step 3: Who agrees with the theory? (and why?)
Step 4: Who disagrees with the theory? (and why?)
Step 5: What else do we need to investigate?
Step 6: What do I believe?
The resource uses a light-hearted approach by focusing on the mystery of the Loch Ness monster and examines the theories behind the legend. At the end, learners apply what has been learned to produce a presentation which outlines their theories.
It’s suitable for KS4 and above, though could easily be adapted for KS3.
Radicalisation and extremism can pose a serious threat to any civilised society and in Britain’s case they may challenge and threaten those values that underpin society itself.
It is important to try and understand the issues associated with radicalisation and extremism.
This session investigates:
- The language associated with extremism and radicalisation
- Radicalisation/Extremism: Can it be prevented?
- Case studies of Extremists
- British Values Question
Interactive resource developed in prezi.
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes downloadable pdf worksheet
On November 11th, Remembrance events will be held in the UK and many other countries around the world.
These events will often include readings of famous war poems from the First World War.
This tutorial in prezi looks at three poems:
- ‘For The Fallen’, by Laurence Binyon
- 'In Flanders Fields', by John McCrae
- 'Dulce et decorum est', by Wilfred Owen
Includes SMSC questions relating to War Poetry.
Suitable for small and larger groups.
This is the third Critical Thinking resource and focuses on the need for logical reasoning.
It establishes the concepts of the premise and conclusion as the basis of a logical argument. It also highlights 4 “logic traps” - the non sequitur, generalisation, assumption and irrelevance.
These principles are applied to the legend of Atlantis as a light-hearted approach to creating a logical argument. There are opportunities to evaluate the logic of ‘experts’ who have written on this topic. This approach offers opportunities to conduct further independent study to do the same thing. (There are a lot of theories out there!). Finally, learners are challenged to create their own logical argument on the Atlantis legend.
This resource could be used for KS4 learners and beyond, though it could be adapted for KS3 easily.
Relationships - How to present yourself
Researchers found that we make eleven major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting.
It seems the human brain is hardwired in this way! So how can we make sure that we present ourselves in a positive light?
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
UK Sugar Addiction: Is it killing us?
A report by Public Health England, on the effect of sugar on the health of our society, has estimated that ill-health caused by sugar consumption costs the NHS over 17 billion pounds per year.
So what are the issues and what might be done to cure our sweet tooth?
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
Aspirations - How Values help to make the right choices
Your Values have a major impact on your happiness and success. Here is how....
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
Study Skills - The what and how of research
The ability to understand and use different research methods is an essential ingredient of successful learning and achievement.
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
Aspirations - Thinking about your future?
A famous interview question: Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Do you ever spend any time thinking about your future?
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
A recent survey reported that over 50% of people in Western Countries make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8% will actually achieve their resolutions for the year.
What are resolutions and how do you make sure you achieve yours?
nteractive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework, plus literacy or numeracy activity.
Pancake Day is held on Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday; the first day of Lent.
It is a day of penitence, to clean the soul and, a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins.
Interactive resource developed in prezi.
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework.
Aspirations - How to build your self confidence
If you want to achieve anything you have to be confident about succeeding.
Confidence is a skill, like any other, that can be learned and improved.
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
Aspirations - How your beliefs help personal achievement
Beliefs can have a major impact on learning and success.
Learn about: understanding the power of beliefs, about limiting vs empowering belief and your own beliefs.
Interactive resource developed in prezi
Can be used by small groups, individuals or by parents.
Includes employability and learning skills framework
Tutorial activity in prezi based around a short video clip of Usain Bolt discussing his goals.
Students have the opportunity to set both short and long term goals for their time both in school and out.
Suitable for both horizontal and vertical tutor groups.
Includes PDF worksheet.
Topical tutorial activity
There are 9 multiple choice questions about
Suitable for both horizontal and vertical tutor groups
Two pdf documents provided: a question and an answer sheet