Face-to-face:

CrCrTh 655, Metacognition
Instructor: David Martin
Summer 2011 Syllabus

The primary goal of education is to stretch the mind, to increase each person's ability to keep on learning on one's own. This goal requires that educators understand theories of the nature and development of human abilities. They need to adopt a conceptual framework that explains the development of the important tools of learning and thinking and recognizes the propensity of all humans to acquire such tools. It also requires that teachers acquire a technology for the application of such theory in the classroom, integrate these practices in the school curriculum, and assess their effectiveness. This course will make use of the Feuerstein/Vygotsky theoretical model of Mediated Learning (Feuerstein's elaborate cognitive map and his empirically supported program, known as Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment) to learn important principles of metacognition as an essential mental tool for becoming an effective problem-solver. Included in the course are techniques and principles relating to: self-awareness, reflection, strategic planning, mental mapping, and inner dialogue.  

CrCrTh 601, Critical Thinking
Instructor: David Martin
Summer 2011 Syllabus

This course explores issues about the nature and techniques of critical thought, viewed as a way to establish a reliable basis for our claims, beliefs, and attitudes about the world. We explore multiple perspectives, placing established facts, theories, and practices in tension with alternatives to see how things could be otherwise. Views about observation and interpretation, reasoning and inference, valuing and judging, and the production of knowledge in its social context are considered. Special attention is given to translating what is learned into strategies, materials, and interventions for use in students' own educational and professional settings.

CrCrTh 618, Creative Thinking, Collaboration and Organizational Change
Summer 2011 Syllabus

Diversity Awareness (July 8-9)
Instructors: Greg Turpin, Renae Gray
Participants in this workshop experience and learn approaches aimed at enabling groups and organizations to: become more diverse; address tensions arising from lack of awareness of differences and inequalities; and undertake coalition work that dismantle traditional barriers. Dimensions of diversity addressed include race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Cultivating Collaboration (July 15-16)
Instructor: Peter Taylor
How do we become skilled and effective in contributing to collaborations? How do we lead others to develop their interest and skills in collaboration? A series of activities introduces tools and perspectives related to a 4Rs framework-respect, risk, revelation, and re-engagement.

Facilitating Participation and Collaboration in Groups (July 22-23)
Instructor: Abby Yanow
This workshop introduces students to a number of different techniques of group participation, such as working in small groups and stakeholder groups, and World Cafe or Open Space. The topics of discussion within each technique will be chosen in an effort to make the learning experience as close as possible to real-life situations, within our workplaces and our communities. We will focus on the art of careful listening and the crafting of effective questions. You will experience the generativity of the participatory process, in which the wisdom comes from the group. You will be encouraged to consider ways of implementing these techniques into your practice, with your colleagues and in your communities.
 

CrCrTh 688 (1 credit), Reflective Practice
Instructor: Peter Taylor
Summer 2011 Syllabus (see July 15-16 description)

New CCT students are encouraged to join this workshop-in person or by internet connection-to gain tools and connections with other students that will support your studies. The workshop takes place from 9-4.15 on July 15-16 in conjunction with the "Cultivating Collaboration" workshop described above.

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Last update 22 March 2011