Critical+Thinking,+Problem+Solving,+and+Decision+Making

This page correlates with the NETS - Student Standard stated below:

4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students: a. identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation. b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project. c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.

(Post your activities and lessons here that fall under this standard.)

I have had my students, gr 12, complete myth v fact assignments on two different social problems. I give them the myth and using the internet, they must disprove the myth by providing a fact. They must cite their information as well. They also work in groups so they can collaborate with one another in order to find the answer. I have done this on alcohol myths as well as suicide myths. Andrea

Here is my suicide assessment that I used as the final assessment for the Unit--it replaced the Unit Test

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS: Below you will find the outline of your project to help keep you on track as you work.

Working with a partner, you will research your information to determine answers to the following questions: 1. What are the demographics of your individual—are any of his/her demographics indicative of high-risk suicide? Be sure to explain your reasoning with concrete facts.

2. Were there any other contributing factors that could have led to the individual’s alleged suicide? Be sure to explain your reasoning with concrete facts.

3. What role, if any, did society play in your individual’s alleged suicide? Be sure to explain your reasoning with concrete facts.

4. What warning signs, behavioral/verbal clues did your individual exhibit prior to his/her’s alleged suicide?

5. Considering the alleged suicide of your individual:
 * What classification of suicide would it fall under?
 * What type of suicide would it be listed as?
 * What method did your individual choose?
 * BE SURE TO PROVIDE ALL RELEVANT AND CONCRETE INFORMATION TO SUPPORT EACH OF YOUR REASONINGS.

6. In reference to your individual’s alleged suicide, what theory would BEST explain his/her decision to take his/her own life? Be sure to explain with concrete facts.

7. Considering all the above information, answer the following conclusions; [|rubric.doc]
 * Do you believe your individual committed suicide? Why or Why not?
 * Could your individual’s death have been prevented? Be sure to include treatment options you believe could have helped in this prevention. As always, support with concrete facts.

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

Your information will need to be presented in a wikispace located at _

Your presentation will need to include any combination of audio/visuals that appropriately depict your individual and his/her alleged suicide.

Your audio/visuals could be imported photos, imported music, imported video clips, newspaper clippings, or any other avenue your creativity designs.

Be sure to document all sites used in a separate citation page to be located at the end of you presentation. Information may not be copied and pasted but should be written in your own words. Video, audio, and photos should all be appropriately cited as well.

Your presentation will be graded according to:
 * Neatness – presentation is organized and flows freely from topic to topic
 * Mechanics—presentation is free from major grammar and spelling errors as well as include appropriate citation of sources
 * Exemplary = 0-2 errors
 * Good = 3-5 errors
 * Working = 6-8 errors
 * Needs Improvement = 9-11 errors
 * Incomplete = 12 or more errors


 * Creativity – use of audio/visual as well as design of presentation
 * Relevancy – information and graphics are relevant to the individual and overall topic of suicide

HELPFUL TIP!!!!!!!! *ideally you should have one paragraph for each of the 7 topics *spell and grammar check *when done, copy and paste into your wikispace page OR into your webtool
 * complete your research in a word document


 * use your webtool for your pictures, video, and/or audio

[|webtools.doc]