Ep 187: I'd Like to Have an Argument Please! (critical thinking part 3)

Published: Jan. 23, 2013, 3:02 a.m.

How would you like to have an argument?\xa0 Turns out that learning how to have a good argument might just be the best way to learn to think critically.\xa0 In this episode I discuss a neat piece of research in which 7 and 8 year olds are taught how to effectively argue. And they do a darn good job of it as it turns out.\xa0 Perhaps this is the way to teach our young people\xa0 critical thinking: give them some great books to read - like The Giving Tree - and have them discuss what they think about it.\xa0 The key ingredient: making sure that they fully understand the point of view of the other person.\xa0 This'll be fun. I promise.\xa0 Especially since I've got a couple funny clips from Monty Python's Argument Clinic sketch to help move things along.