Critical Thinking Elective
The Critical Thinking Elective is a new subject being trialled across the Wollongong Diocese. The course promotes students to apply research skills to analyse problems and question evidence to make informed decisions. The course covers a variety of topics, such as Ethical Decision Making, Strategies used in Business and War, and Innovations in Sport.
On the 8th and 9th of February, five Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend two Critical Thinking Immersion Days. This opportunity was extended to high achieving students, recognising them for their academic achievements throughout their time at Magdalene. This course was seen as a great opportunity for these students to extend their thinking and challenge them to think outside the box in a unique blended learning environment. The students were joined by about 25 other students from around the diocese, congregating at the University of Wollongong. The day provided students with an insight into the coursework for the new elective, and allowed them to meet the students they would work with for the rest of the year.
The Immersion covered ten hours of the course, where students studied Conspiracy Theories. They explored the dynamics and influences which affect the creation of conspiracy theories, the psychology behind conspiracy theories and how they impact society on a global scale. The students also studied the role of social media in today's generation, and it affects the spread and belief of conspiracy theories.
Each day included a half hour talk from a guest speaker. The first, Dr Jordan Mackenzie, encouraged students to explore the psychology behind the belief in and formation of conspiracy theories. Professor Patrick Givern spoke about the science of conspiracy theories. He detailed how and why conspiracy theories are often viewed as flawed, using the same methods applied to the evaluation of scientific theories.
This immersion has given the students an insight into the new approach being taken to the Critical Thinking Elective. The course will aim to add other Immersion Days, where those attending the course will have the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas. All assessment tasks will be compiled into a portfolio that will determine the final grading for the elective.
Critical thinking is a valued skill that will likely be used in our planned future careers
Isla Attard, Angelina Bampton, Lachlan Campbell and Lachlan Chadwick (Year 10)