Critical Thinking

Worksheet Description

The “Critical Thinking Discussion Stems” worksheet is a versatile tool aimed at enhancing students’ critical thinking and discussion skills. The worksheet provides structured prompts that guide students in formulating questions and responses that delve deeper into the subject matter. These prompts are designed to encourage students to think critically about evidence, make comparisons, seek clarification, and categorize information during discussions.

In the first section, students are prompted to consider evidence with the stem “What evidence can you present for/against ___?” This encourages them to think analytically about the topic at hand. Another prompt asks, “Can you give me some examples?” which helps students provide concrete illustrations of their points, thus deepening the discussion. The second section includes stems for comparative analysis, such as “How does ___ compare/contrast with ___?” and requests for organization of thought, as seen in “How would you classify ___ into a more general category?” These stems are invaluable for fostering a classroom environment that promotes thoughtful inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and collaborative learning. By regularly utilizing these stems, students can learn to articulate their thoughts more clearly, evaluate information critically, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers.