All Teachers Welcome!
When: Monday, August 11, 2025, 8:30am-3:30pm (paid attendance)
Location: District Office
One of most important critical thinking skills is Inductive reasoning. It involves making general conclusions based on specific evidence. It helps students recognize patterns, make predictions, and analyze real-world problems. In the morning, we will focus on what inductive reasoning is and how it's relevant to all subject areas. In the afternoon, teachers will be in subject area groups to dive more deeply into what inductive reasoning could look like in their courses.
When:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 for Math and Science
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 for English, Social Studies and Electives
Location: District Office
Critical thinking also means students asking "juicy" open-ended questions that encourage exploration. Rather than teachers doing the "hard work" of asking the questions, pass the baton to students! Imagine them asking:
After examining several ancient civilizations, what common factors do we notice that contributed to their rise and fall?
Looking at various narrative texts, what common elements do we observe in effective story openings?
Based on our observations of multiple plant species, what common characteristics do we notice that might define a plant?
Examining the relationship between the sides of right-angled triangles, what general rule can we propose?
In the morning, we will experience and learn an approach called "Question Formation Technique" (QFT) for students to generate their own questions, including ones that encourage inductive reasoning. After lunch, teachers will work in subject-area groups with their Curriculum Lead to apply their learning.
if you attend both sessions in August, you have the option to purchase 2 Category C units for $124 through the University of Pacific.
For more information on related critical thinking PD by subject area, click: English, Math, Science, Social Studies
Questions? Contact Welton Kwong or Curriculum Leads: Kavita Gupta, Julia Satterthwaite, Viviana Torres, Jessica Uy
NOTA BENE: We are also considering a 1-day abridged version during the Fall semester for those who cannot attend these two days, pending teacher interest. Because this 1-day alternative is not yet confirmed, we encourage you to attend these 2 days in August if possible.