An Interactive Strategy for the Instruction of Critical Thinking in the Middle School.

This paper describes an interactive strategy for the instruction of critical thinking taking place in a middle school in Dade County, Florida. The project involves integration of critical thinking and brainstorming, using the quality circle approach. Based on developmental characteristics, certain principles impact middle school curricula: (1) the learner must be an active participant; (2) strategies for learning should be taught, modeled, and retaught as necessary; and (3) small learning groups should be a regular part of classroom organization. The quality circle process as it relates to critical thinking fits with the objectives of middle school education: students are allowed to move and work with others in the class; brainstorming activities are designed to allow for frequent changes of pace as topics are discussed; the focus of the problem under discussion is narrowed and the student is allowed the usperience of an interactive, positive, and supportive classroom environment; and students are able to make decisions and solve problems in an atmosphere that is nonjudgmental and supportive. The process of learning how to think critically is a crucial skill that students must be taught, and which they must practice and master; the use of quality circles has proven helpful in accomplishing this goal. (LL) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.