In today’s fast-paced world, where information comes at us from all directions, the ability to think critically has never been more vital. Whether it’s navigating social media, making sense of news headlines, or simply deciding what to believe, critical thinking skills are your north star.
That’s why I’ve curated this essential list of TED Ed lessons aimed at honing your mental acumen. From understanding the subtle art of problem-solving to grasping how misinformation spreads, this collection covers a gamut of topics that promise to equip you with the tools needed to dissect, analyze, and ultimately make better decisions.
TED Ed Lessons on Critical thinking
Here are some amazing TED Ed lessons on critical thinking to use with your students in class:
1. 5 tips to improve your critical thinking – Samantha Agoos
This lesson offers a practical guide to making better decisions through critical thinking. Samantha Agoos outlines a 5-step process that can help anyone tackle complex problems. This is an ideal lesson for educators aiming to instill decision-making skills in students. It covers everything from gathering information to evaluating options and helps guide learners in making more informed choices.
2. The Boltzmann brain paradox – Fabio Pacucci
This lesson delves into a complex but fascinating thought experiment known as the Boltzmann brain paradox. It challenges our understanding of reality and existence by questioning how we know we’re not just artificially created brains with manufactured memories. This one’s a bit heavier but it’s a fantastic way to get students thinking deeply about the nature of existence, and it would be great for a lesson on metaphysics or epistemology.
3. Can you outsmart the college admissions fallacy? – Elizabeth Cox
Elizabeth Cox digs into the controversial subject of single-sex education policies, using a real-life case from 1990 involving Virginia Military Institute. The lesson focuses on identifying circular reasoning, a logical fallacy that can often go unnoticed. By applying critical thinking, students can learn to recognize flawed arguments, a skill that’s not only important for academics but for life in general.
4. Can you solve the fortress riddle? – Henri Picciotto
This lesson throws you into a real dilemma, challenging your tactical and strategic skills to save a kingdom and its unique herd of tiny dino creatures. The focus is on problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. It’s an engaging way to help students think critically about strategies and consequences. Plus, who can resist tiny dinos?
5. Can you solve the private eye riddle? – Henri Picciotto
In this mystery-themed lesson, learners step into the shoes of Numberland’s top detective to solve a bizarre series of crimes. Henri Picciotto engages students in a mental workout to solve the puzzle, honing their deductive reasoning skills. This lesson brings critical thinking into the realm of mystery-solving, offering a more narrative-driven approach to sharpen the intellect.
6. Ethical dilemma: Who should you believe? – Alex Worsnip
This lesson throws you into a high-stakes ethical quandary involving a shocking accusation against your spouse. It introduces the concept of ethical decision-making in a gripping, real-world scenario. The lesson aims to help students grapple with ambiguity and uncertainty, forcing them to weigh evidence and question their own biases.
7. Can you outsmart the slippery slope fallacy? – Elizabeth Cox
This lesson takes us back to the 1950s and the birth of the “domino theory” in the context of the Vietnam War. Elizabeth Cox exposes the flaws in this type of argument by teaching students how to identify the “slippery slope fallacy.” It’s a powerful example of how faulty logic can shape entire political strategies. For me, this lesson is a must-watch for anyone interested in critical thinking as it relates to historical events and public policy.
8. Why people fall for misinformation – Joseph Isaac
Ever wondered how fake news or misinformation can spread like wildfire? Joseph Isaac explores this question by examining the widespread acceptance of a flawed concept: the taste map. This lesson tackles the psychology behind why people believe things that are factually incorrect, highlighting the role of authority figures and public platforms. It’s an eye-opener, and I think it’s particularly relevant today when misinformation can have dire consequences.
9. How do you know what’s true? – Sheila Marie Orfan
Ever find yourself in a situation where everyone’s story seems valid, but they can’t all be true? Sheila Marie Orfano delves into this intriguing phenomenon known as the Rashomon effect. It’s named after a situation where multiple witnesses to a crime provide conflicting but equally plausible accounts. This lesson probes the complexities of truth and perception. It challenges students to consider how bias and perspective can cloud what we consider to be “true.” Sheilaโs take on this
10. This tool will help improve your critical thinking – Erick Wilberding
Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Erick Wilberding explores this idea by introducing the Socratic Method, a technique of asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking. The lesson doesn’t just inform; it encourages students to ask questions relentlessly, just like Socrates, who was more feared for his questions than his answers. This, to me, is a foundational skill that can be applied not just academically but in everyday decision-making as well.
Final thoughts
There you have itโa curated set of TED Ed lessons designed to boost your critical thinking muscles. These lessons are both informational and transformational. They provoke us to question our own reasoning, confront our biases, and better understand the mechanisms that influence our thoughts and actions. I’ve always believed that the classroomโwhether physical or virtualโis a breeding ground for not just knowledge, but wisdom. And if you’re an educator, a student, or simply a lifelong learner, these lessons are your stepping stones to a more aware and thoughtful existence.