The Flexible Technology Integration Method (FlexTIM™) is an innovative, constructivist, technology based, critical thinking curriculum that employs differentiated instruction to help students integrate Dr. Richard Paul's, “Eight Elements of Thought Critical Thinking Model” into their reasoning and writing.
The FlexTIM curriculum covers eight (8) Critical Thinking topic areas (i.e., paraphrasing, word ambiguity, syllogisms and constructing arguments, the critical inquiry method, literary devices, value assumptions and value conflicts, analyzing facts and figures and reasoning fallacies) with three progressively more difficult levels of lecture and lab activities for each of the 8 topics. Accordingly, each topic begins with an initial assessment test of student Critical Thinking skills on that topic. This test determines the most appropriate level of lab activity for each student to begin each topic. For example, students with “Literary Device Level One” skills would receive skills appropriate preparation -- they would be assigned lab materials that are easier to comprehend and targeted homework not needed by students with “Literary Device Level Three” skills.
FlexTIM’s goal is to provide students with challenging activities that offer individualized, authentic learning opportunities to combine their critical thinking and technology skills in ways that enable them to find relevant information and to collaborate effectively to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas – and to solve problems. Through the use of FlexTIM problem solving strategies and the Read/Write Web software tools students will learn to:
- Identify the arguments, hidden assumptions, value conflicts and supporting evidence required to make critical assessments, to construct and deconstruct logical arguments and to effectively use literary devices to build contrasting ideas.
- Use the Critical Inquiry Method, other problem solving learning strategies and Blogs to help students collaborate when constructing, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating ideas.
- Use the Google Web Aggregator software and the Inspiration Graphic Organizer software to help students find the information they need and to brainstorm the organization of that information the way they want it.
- Use Electronic Writing Tools to strengthen grammar, vocabulary and writing skills.