Richard Paul

The history of education is also the history of short-term solutions to deep-seated educational problems. While programs like No Child Left Behind or Common Core Curriculum are well-intentioned, they result in intense fragmentation of energy and resources in schools. A Critical Thinker's Guide to Educational Fads critiques many current educational trends, illuminating their underlying motivations and providing holistic, sustainable solutions. Teachers,...

This powerful book introduces core critical thinking concepts and principles as an empowering problem-solving framework for every profession, course of study, and indeed every area of life. “The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools” distills the groundbreaking work of Richard Paul and Linda Elder, targeting how to deconstruct thinking through the elements of reasoning and how to assess the quality of our thinking. This guide...

“The Art of Asking Essential Questions” illuminates an underappreciated yet vital skill set that lies at the root of all learning and success. Not only do questions help us gain knowledge on a topic, but they also allow us to dispel erroneous or deceptive information, uncover assumptions and motivations, draw accurate conclusions, and make sustainable plans. Linda Elder and Richard Paul illustrate the elements of an effective question and discuss...

Developed by the Foundation for Critical Thinking, “The International Critical Thinking Reading and Writing Test” assesses the extent to which students have acquired the reading and writing abilities required for skilled analysis and evaluation. These skills are essential to the educated mind and should be considered core elements of any educational program. Through rubrics, this essay-based test measures the extent to which students can skillfully...

In “How to Improve Student Learning”, critical thinking pioneer Richard Paul and educational psychologist Linda Elder distill decades of teaching experience into thirty methods to increase student comprehension and engagement in any area of study. Teachers and faculty at all levels will find these strategies easy to integrate into their teaching and learning process, and, when integrated, will see students begin to take ownership of their learning. This...

“A Guide for Educators to Critical Thinking Competency Standards” introduces an authoritative assessment system to ensure successful and consistent integration of critical thinking skills in every type of educational program. The critical thinking competency standards articulated in this guide serve as a resource for teachers, curriculum designers, administrators and accrediting bodies.

Since all human thoughts are controlled by the mind, understanding our thoughts is essential to personal and societal advancement. The Thinker's Guide to the Human Mind delves into the core functions of the human mind to allow readers to take charge of their intellect and emotions more effectively. Linda Elder and Richard Paul explore the basic impulses that influence our thoughts and can distract us from logical or ethical action. Exploring the...

Though close reading and substantive writing are essential skills for the educated person, they are frequently ignored in education. How to Write a Paragraph applies critical thinking tools to the process of writing to guide students towards developing clear, effective, and meaningful written communication. As a companion to “How to Read a Paragraph”, this volume in the Thinker's Guide Library includes activities to sharpen writing skills and...

“The Thinker's Guide to Engineering Reasoning” applies critical thinking concepts to the field of engineering. Students and professionals across engineering will find their analytical abilities enhanced by the engaging authoritative framework set forth by Richard Paul and Linda Elder. For engineers to properly reason through engineering projects requires strong analytic skills. The best engineers are clear about their purposes, gather sufficient...

Adoptation of the famous fairy tale.