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Using your head

In this age of spoon-fed children, it's important to let them think for themselves

QUESTIONING ACT Children these days don't think

Most children today fall into the bracket of `cognitive misers.' They simply want to avoid thinking about a problem. The mantra today is instant success complimented with a minimal amount of thinking.

Both parents as well as teachers constantly complain that it is easier to teach children plain

facts rather than teaching them how to think for themselves. So, can children be taught how to think? Research says "yes."

The ability to think partly arises from experiences. Little children and even adolescents do not innately possess the ability to think critically.

Thinking, includes the ability to evaluate a situation, how to focus on the most important aspects, how to decide what to do and how to go about doing it. Since much of our thinking ability comes from our experiences, perhaps a good look at the experiences that encourage thinking could help you mould your child into a critical thinker.

Catch them young

Use everyday experiences to teach your child how to think. This can begin very early.

Asking toddlers or even older children open ended questions like `why,' `how' and `what' encourages them not only to listen to you, but to think for themselves. This also helps them improve their verbal skills.

Match the following

Ask children to `match' information. They can do this by comparing new information with what they already know. This helps them to find links by identifying concepts. For instance categorise a country a European or African; democratic or totalitarian.

Four questions

Teach children to ask questions about anything they hear or read. Is it unusual?, is it common knowledge?, if not ,what is the evidence? And if yes, then is it reliable? They should learn not to blindly accept a statement.

Problem solved

Show children how to approach a problem. They need to understand the problem, devise a solution, carry out the plan and then evaluate the solution. 'Did it work?' You could give them an example of a problem you have solved.

Young Einstien

Inspire innovation. Ask your child to design a household gadget to help with the daily chores. He will find this interesting and fun to do.

Reaching perfection

Ask them to draw a picture. Then ask them what they can do to make it look better. After they give you the answer, you can ask them to improvise on the picture.

Use your tools

Help children to find the important points in what they read, see or hear. Teach them how and when to use tools like an atlas, a dictionary and a microscope when they learn.

Mightier than a sword

Encourage them to write. Writing forces the writer to organise thoughts. Encourage them to set realistic goals within a time frame and to write down their goals within a time frame so that they can check their progress.

Being a child today is tough. Empower your child by giving him the ability to analyse situations for himself. Constantly monitor his progress, take pride in your child and help him reach his full potential by being his friend, philosopher and guide.

FIONA SCOTT

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