Welcome to the San Antonio College Critical Thinking and Writing Group

This website will be the collaborative space where members of this professional development group will discuss and collaborate while reading John C. Bean's book Engaging Ideas: The Professor's Guide to Integrated Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom.

Our work together exploring this book will involve four periods of discussion where each member is asked to post to this blog and dialogue with other members. The following prompts will start the discussion during each of these discussion periods.

Discussion Period 1: May 21-31
Topic--After reading Parts 1 and 2, discuss your understanding of what defines "critical thinking." What do you think of Bean's definition? Also, discuss what particular struggles you have had with assigning writing with your students and what particular goals for your own teaching practice you would like to get from reading this book.

Discussion Period 2: June 18 -30
Topic--In the last post, you identified a particular "something" you were hoping to get from the book. Discuss what you are learning from your reading of the book that stands out to you and that seems to be the most meaningful to you in terms of what you were hoping to get from reading the book.

Discussion Period 3: July 21-31
Topic--For this post, I want you to talk about the particular assignment that you will create or revise based upon what you have learned from this book. Describe the assignment and how you will design it and use it in the classroom.

Discussion Period 4: Aug. 15-31
Topic--For this last post, you will share your actual assignment and discuss how it came out. You can also talk about your biggest take away from working with this book and where you would like to continue to grow in your use of writing to promote critical thinking and active learning.