It’s one thing to teach students facts. It’s another – more important, yet difficult – thing to teach students how to think. At Self Development Academy, critical thinking is ingrained in our curriculum, starting with the early grades.
What do we mean by critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the process of analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and applying information. We focus on developing reason, logic, resourcefulness, imagination, innovation, and other critical and creative thinking skills in our students.
Why is critical thinking important?
Critical thinkers are flexible and adaptable. The gifts of learning and solving problems become a meaningful part of critical thinkers’ lives, not just a task to check off.
Advanced logical and critical thinking programs help SDA students understand not only what is going on but why it is so, and to be able to ask the right questions to get to the heart of any matter. Students also learn how to examine, evaluate, disassemble, and reassemble information and ideas in new and creative ways to develop a deep understanding of any subject.
How does critical thinking apply in life?
Thinking critically is a key skill whenever we encounter problems, unfamiliar information, and new ideas. We can face an unknown, ever-changing world with confidence, knowing that thinking critically makes us capable, autonomous problem solvers.
What is mathematical thinking?
Mathematical thinking is an extension of critical thinking.
Despite learning advanced math, many teenagers struggle with basic logical thinking, often to the frustrations of their parents. With mathematical thinking, students learn how to apply algebraic and geometric formulas to problems.
At SDA, students use this type of thinking to critique, analyze, and reason in early grades. Then they continue with SDA’s logic program in the middle school grades.
What is Self Development Academy’s logic program?
Middle schoolers learn logic, both formal and informal, and finally learn to use eight years of logical reasoning classes in a philosophy course.
SDA logic students can reason and spot errors in reasoning. Through rich curriculum and discussion, they learn philosophy, critique it, show its worst moments, and perhaps even make it better. This is nothing less than the age-old pursuit of truth and knowledge, not for any reason other than the simple enjoyment of thinking itself.
Where can I find a school that fosters thinking critically in Arizona?
If you are looking for a school that fosters critical thinking Arizona, look no further! Self Development Academy is a K-8 nationally awarded charter school of excellence with an advanced learning curriculum. In addition to online learning, we have campuses in Phoenix, Glendale, East Mesa, and Mesa. If you are interested in our schools, contact us at (480) 641-2640 or (602) 274-1910 to get more information. We would love to have you!
