Fwd: Where is the truth?

[Kevin Saldanha]

I am forwarding this message to the Scientific Temper google group in the hope that we can use this forum to discuss the strategy to encourage the Goan govt.'s Dept. of Education to incorporate critical thinking into their teacher training.  (Using the cc. list invites unwanted commentary). I am copying Santosh with this message but I assume he has resubscribed to this forum with his new address.

Although Critical Thinking can also be introduced as a stand-alone course or subject, the intention is to have the concept infuse all aspects of teaching.  Unfortunately, this may not work with religious instruction as some of those 'truths' are unquestionable.

Kevin

Hi Santosh,

Before we reinvent the wheel, let us take a look at some of the commercial and online resources available.  Some of our adults may benefit from this Youtube series.

Ronald Case of the TC2 initiative feels that critical thinking should infuse the way subject matter is taught at all levels of schooling.  His critique of current teaching methods (as pertains to Canadian curriculum) can be applied to most institutions in the developed as well as developing world.  This  doesn't mean that a specific course in critical thinking, such as that developed by Edward DeBono should not be encouraged.

TC2 has already developed materials for priming educators around the world.  What we may be able to do is encourage the Department of Education in Goa to hold a symposium on incorporating critical thinking techniques into their teaching methods through their District Institute of Education & Training in Porvorim (previously known as Govt. Teachers Training Institute).  

This should benefit a larger proportion of Goan students and fits with their theme of SMART CLASS Scheme (Section 5.28 of their Citizen's Charter).   It also outlines a definite program on the Popularization of Science under SCERT.

Kevin

On Sun, Oct 24, 2010 at 12:53 PM, Santosh Helekar <chimb...@gmail.com> wrote:

Kevin,

I would appreciate it if you could talk to people at the Center for
Inquiry about this. Let me tell you what my own vision about this is,
and how it deviates from the vision of skeptics in America and
rationalists in India. The skeptics in America and most parts of the
world waste too much time fighting against religion and
fundamentalism. The rationalists in India invariably become Marxists,
and get involved in politics. We should have nothing to do with either
of these unproductive activities. Our effort needs to focus only on
teaching kids to think critically about what they see, hear and read,
and apply the science they have learned in class to everyday life. We
should do this by using show and tell methods rather than dry didactic
pedagogy. More later.

Cheers,

Santosh

2010/10/23 Kevin Saldanha <veg...@gmail.com>:

> I know that George Pinto will be quite supportive of such an initiative and
> I would readily contribute via Goa Sudharop for such a program.
> I am involved with the Center for Inquiry here in Toronto and am not far
> from their headquarters in Amherst, NY.  They recently opened a few centres
> in India, although I don't believe Paul Kurtz visited Goa.  I can find out
> if there is high school material available and they may even have a teacher
> who would be interested in doing a sabbatical in Goa.
> I would start by approaching secular schools in Goa to pilot this program
> which then may be adopted by the parochial schools.
> Please keep me in the loop on further developments.
> Kevin
>
> On Sat, Oct 23, 2010 at 12:29 AM, Santosh Helekar <chimb...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>
>> Cecil,
>>
>> I know Pravin and Somu. We should certainly include them in any such
>> initiative. But in talking to people in Goa recently, I know that
>> there is no critical thinking course of this type being taught in high
>> schools. D. Satish, the erstwhile magician used to hold some
>> demonstrations occasionally, and Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti has
>> held some camps. But that's about it. Critical thinking as a
>> scholastic subject would require a much greater commitment and
>> funding.
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Santosh

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No offense meant. But let the chips fall where they may.
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