FEATURE STORY: NEW THINKING by Thomas E. Lorentzen
October marks the 40th anniversary of the launching of Sputnik - the first successful effort to enter outer space. This single event - the launching of a Soviet rocket into space shocked the U.S., sending fears that America had fallen behind the then-USSR in technological know-how. This one little piece of technology caused a major shift in the way Americans did things, including in the realm of education. Major changes took place in subjects being taught in schools (placing new emphasis on science and mathematics) throughout America, as well as methodology.
Now, on the 40th anniversary of Sputnik another major change may be taking place in the educational arena, caused once again by technology. This time, however, it is more subtle, and in the form of a technology unknown during the time of Sputnik, and that is in the realm of software.
When we think of technology we tend to think of the Silicon Valley in California. When we think of software we tend to think of Microsoft. In a modern-day version of the "mouse that roared," a small public company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Heartsoft, Inc., working in conjunction with an educational "think-tank" in Rohernt Park, California (the Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique) have teamed up to develop a new method of teaching elementary children how to learn and think in a much more effective manner than is presently being practiced, using technology. The method is called "critical thinking" and the product is a benchmark form of software called "Thinkology."
What exactly is critical thinking? This question was asked of Dr. Linda Elder of the Center for Critical Thinking at Sonoma University in California. Dr. Elder said that "Both the idea and practice can be traced as far back as Aristotle and Socrates, and has been discussed in educational circles in the U.S. since early in the century." "Fundamentally," she said, "its about teaching children at young ages, primarily from kindergarten through the 4th grade, to not just be instructed about 'who, where, and when,' but 'why and what for?'" According to Elder, "This form of thinking, not traditionally taught until a student enters high school or college, is essential in preparing them for a world which is becoming increasingly more complex. By teaching children earlier we can greatly enhance their ability to think critically, and with that to learn more effectively."
The next question, of course, is what is "Thinkology?" This question may eventually be similar to one asked several decades ago about the term "xerox." Thinkology is simply "critical thinking" software designed for application to children in the early grades of elementary school - a first. This product focuses on the early development of skills like clarity, accuracy, and logic.
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According to Heartsoft C.E.O. and Co-founder, Benjamin Shell, "In this information age, our children are inundated with volumes of information, and Thinkology helps empower them with the thinking skills to sift through all of it. Thinkology makes the abstracts of learning critical thinking skills both fun and easy to do," according to Shell. "Our greatest dream," he said, "would be to help the young generation presently in our elementary schools, and those who enter in the future, become better thinkers, performing like little Aristotles." Is this possible?
"Yes," according to Dr. Susan Babbitt, former director of instructional media for Tulsa Public Schools and now the director of technology for Metro Christian Academy. "Thinkology is truly a revolutionary product," says Babbitt. "It has merged critical thinking with an enjoyable learning process, making it possible to become better thinkers." Babbitt also added that, "In my 3 decades in education, I have never seen such an opportunity to influence the direction of learning for young children, and with that help to make them become better and more productive people as they grow into adulthood."
And, as a former consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and Associate Administrator for Business Development in the U.S. Small Business Administration, I find fascinating potential in both the instructional process of "critical thinking" and the Thinkology product as a means to produce better business people and employees, and with that, American economic productivity.
Now, returning to Aristotle, and adding Thomas Jefferson in for value, if the pursuit of happiness is a universal human desire, then how can we improve our methods and chances of achieving happiness? Central to this endeavor is the ability to think about things in a systematic manner, processing thoughts into actions in pursuit of not only individual happiness, but those relevant to our families, communities, and country.
Producing new generations of "Thinkologists" may be our best bet, involved in not just reciting "who, where, and when," but evaluating "why and what for?" To paraphrase John Lennon's song, "Imagine," - imagine what the world would be like for generations of the future if they could better determine the value of things taught, as well as distinguish right from wrong? Imagine the world they could live in if they could better use knowledge for their own good and those of others. It not only could make John Lennon happy, but Aristotle as well.
SOURCE: Thomas E. Lorentzen, McKinley Group, 702-731-5910
NOTE TO EDITORS: Mr. Lorentzen is available for interviews.
CONTACT: Bryan J. Reusser, Public Relations, Heartsoft, Inc., 800-285-3475. |
