It’s a joy to teach IB Theory Of Knowledge classes, and I feel very lucky to be able to teach three periods of it.

Scientific American today published the perfect article for TOK students. It’s headlined Why Do Smart People Do Foolish Things?

It’s chock full of links to research about the importance of developing critical thinking skills, and highlights the concepts that we happen to teach in TOK.

I’m going to have my students read it and respond to this prompt:

What does the author say about the importance of critical thinking? Do you agree with her? To support your opinion you may use examples from your own experiences, your observations of others, and anything you have read. Please try especially to include anything you have learned in our Theory of Knowledge class so far this year.

I’m adding it to The Best Resources On Teaching & Learning Critical Thinking In The Classroom.

You might also be interested in My Teaching English – British Council post on integrating critical thinking skills into English Language Learner instruction.