Encouraging critical thinking in the classroom: An example from Aesthetics

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Nancy J. Nelson Hodges, Burlington Industries Professor and Head (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This paper illustrates how critical thinking techniques could be used in teaching aesthetics. Exploring unfamiliar territory and moving freely between reflective and active thought processes are components important to both aesthetics and critical thinking. In keeping with the objectives of critical thinking, a classroom exercise titled "Getting Outside of Your Own Skin" was designed to help students acknowledge and address assumptions and biases they may hold about older consumers and the aging process. Students were encouraged to move beyond personal experiences to broaden their thinking about individuals unlike themselves. By working through the project, students were given the opportunity to examine their perceptions and attitudes toward the aging process and to consider their effect on this growing market.

Additional Information

Publication
Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 15(2), 86-95.
Language: English
Date: 1997
Keywords
Aesthetics, Critical thinking, Age stereotypes, Pedagogy

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