Teaching and Learning
Critical Thinking This year, four Year 11 students successfully completed the Critical Thinking Course, offered by Macquarie University as part of the university’s gifted and talented entry program. The course is taught at tertiary level and focuses on teaching the foundations of critical thinking and reasoning. Students learn how to analyse and evaluate arguments, how to detect common fallacies in reasoning, and how to employ logic and creativity to their own thinking. The theoretical part of the course is then applied to arguments from the worlds of business, law, politics, philosophy, and the media. The course was completed by Chloe Lollback, Jess O’Bryan, Justin Ho and Nathan Mackrill. Jess went on to receive a High Distinction in the course an excellent accomplishment. Having to balance school work and the course, the students were grateful for the experience as it allowed for a greater understanding of the expectations of university. Nathan has his eye on attending Macquarie University once he graduates, which helped with the decision to partake in this course. “I thought it would be a good way to test the waters at Macquarie, to see what their courses are like. It diversified my options of what to study after School,” said Nathan. Jess and Chloe were keen to learn more about what university is really like. Jess elaborated on how she was “excited about learning more about the whole university experience especially whilst at School as the thought of uni is quite scary.” “This was a good opportunity to have a taste of what it is like so when it comes around to it, I won’t be as nervous,” said Jess. Justin added it was a useful experience for the future and believes it’s “important to have an understanding of how university works with the benefit of being able to add it to your resume’.” The students commended the independent style of learning as it needed to be completed alongside other commitments as well as examining types of arguments
14 • The Barker • Issue 133 • Summer 2021
and texts which would coincide and help with school studies. "It was good to be learning about different types of arguments and delving into the nuts and bolts of the arguments. We looked at texts, the internals and how it makes the reader think a certain way,” said Justin. “I liked that the lecturer put in a lot of effort; he wanted to teach, found good examples and shared good resources,” said Nathan. Jess added “It was up to me to motivate myself and to seek help if I needed it. I liked the independence aspect.” An enjoyable part for Chloe was how flexible it was to finish. “The lessons were pre-recorded, which made it convenient to plan around School.” They had the following advice for current Year 10 students who are interested in completing the course: Chloe: Think about all your commitments you already have and be sure you’ll be able to balance your workload. Jess: Be smart about your studies, stay on top and keep it manageable. Do the weekly activities for feedback, it’s very helpful in the long run! Justin: Make sure you write comprehensive and precise summary notes. Don’t do it the night before. Nathan: Watch the lectures at double speed as it is an efficient way to intake information and to use time effectively. If you are a current Year 10 student (2021) and you would like further information about completing this course, please contact Greg Longney by the end of Term 4 2021 at GLongney@barker.nsw.edu.au Hannah McGrory Social Media Coordinator Greg Longney Director of Teaching & Learning
