SLO: Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Each month, we will focus on one Schoolwide Learner Outcome, or SLOgan of the month, which will help everyone at iLEAD work on an area for growth and success together! For LP 7, our SLOgan is Curiosity and Critical Thinking.

Curiosity and critical thinking are different but linked skills that allow learners of all ages to meaningfully engage with questions and concepts that are challenging and that provide important context. Critical thinking can be defined as “making reasoned judgements.” Intellectual curiosity can be thought of as interacting with the world with a sense of wonder and open-mindedness. In a Harvard Business Review article titled “Why Curiosity Matters,” Francesca Gino explains, “When our curiosity is triggered, we think more deeply and rationally about decisions and come up with more creative solutions.”

Here are some resources and ideas to explore curiosity and critical thinking:

• Talk about the “I can…” statement for curiosity and critical thinking with your learners: “I explain and support my thoughts; I reflect on my learning; I ask questions and seek answers; I listen to and work with others.”
• Caregivers and educational guides: Read this informative article on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity by Dr. Amanda Sullivan and Dr. Amanda Strawhacker. This article also includes several easy-to-access lesson ideas that could be incorporated into almost any lesson.
• Start a curiosity journal with your learner! A curiosity journal can be a completely open-ended activity, or it can focus on a specific event, experience, or topic of learning.
• Cut out and decorate your SLO badge for LP 7.