Logical Reasoning 2. Make it the Goal
Tomorrow’s innovators (our children today) must become adept at open-ended (divergent) and focused (convergent) thinking. For example, their curiosity and creativity fuel open exploration of many interests and possibilities. Then, they must use logical reasoning to draw conclusions based on evidence to decide what is most profitable to pursue.
Whether at home or at school, to develop our children’s aptitudes of innovators, we must be explicit about the behaviors we are looking for. That’s why I defined the seven aptitudes of innovators in a format called “Student-Directed Goals.” Here is the goal for logical reasoning:
I use logical reasoning to draw conclusions and make arguments that are based on facts and premises. I follow a systematic process to solve problems.
If we are going to challenge every child, they need to know the target! This self-directed goal statement defines it for them. Parents and teachers, begin to “talk logical reasoning” by explicitly using the term and its attributes.
Previously in Creativity Tip #4, I introduced the concept of the Talent Goal, the paradigm shift of talent-targeted teaching and learning. Talent goals make the long-term aim of developing the aptitudes of innovators, i.e. logical reasoning, the purpose for acquiring content and skills. The talent “drives” the content. Note how this logical reasoning talent goal provides a personal purpose and a “why” for learning the required content. This is how we motivate and engage learners! With talent goals, learners know that they are developing their personal potential, leading to future success. Learning is talent-targeted, not test-targeted.
Think about how you could create a logical reasoning talent goal in your content area today! And remember to give students their student-directed goal so that they know the target!
Source: Paynter, J.L. (2021). Teach to Develop Talent: How to Motivate and Engage Tomorrows Innovators Today. Corwin. Chapter 4. Teach the Seven Aptitudes of Innovators.
