Improving the critical thinking skills of students in Geography

The teaching of critical thinking skills is fundamental to effective instruction in Geography. Through their study of Geography in the secondary school, students are exposed to a broad range of sources of information and varying perspectives on contemporary geographical issues. To make sense of these issues, students need a range of skills. These include the tools for making decisions, setting priorities, weighing up alternatives, solving complex problems and understanding the views of others. This paper suggests a number of ways in which these skills can be developed. The paper outlines a series of activities that could be applied in the classroom to produce a deeper understanding of geographical issues and promote higher-level thinking. Specifically, this paper provides examples of ways in which de Bono's CoRT thinking strategies can be used as practical teaching and learning approaches within the context of an overall inquiry curriculum.