Our primary objective in implementing this project was to enhance the quality of education by integrating effective teaching routines in critical thinking into the classroom. To achieve this we wanted to develop a bank of critical thinking tools that can be used across a range of subjects. These tools should help students understand how to solve problems and ask challenging questions in order to deepen their own knowledge and understanding of the subjects that they study. We also sought to learn more about collaborative learning and the development trans-disciplinary skills. We feel that by giving the students the tools that they need to understand how they learn, and evaluate what they learn it will better prepare them for the future. In a broader sense our main goal was to improve the school climate and teamwork between teachers, as well as inspire development of interdisciplinary approaches. We wanted to encourage new approaches to the curriculum content and support teachers in embracing new teaching systems that help form stronger relationships between them and the students.
At Bergen Katedralskole we strongly believe in the importance of fostering critical thinking skills among students. By participating in this project our aim was to raise the competence of teachers in developing tasks and lessons aimed at teaching critical thinking, both implicitly and explicitly. Our goal was to visit schools where they already have well established critical thinking routines in place and have the teachers experience first-hand how this enhances the learning experience for the students. Additionally, being part of an international network of educators who values critical thinking enables the establishment of long-lasting professional connections. These connections can facilitate ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices beyond the duration of the program. These collaborative efforts will not only benefit the teachers participating, but also contribute to the broader educational landscape, ultimately empowering students with the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.