7. Scientific Practices and Intellectual Skills

Abstract: In addition to science content, students should also learn scientific practices and intellectual skills that includes critical thinking and scientific reasoning. These are the hallmarks of scientifically literate individuals. Scientific practices can be taught by using an inquiry-oriented approach to teaching where students create knowledge on the basis of experience. Intellectual process skills can be taught and enhanced when teachers actively utilize various inquiry-oriented approaches associated with Levels of Inquiry while teaching physics. Proper training in these skills requires thoughtful reflection on all phases of the educational process. Intellectual skills are just as important as content knowledge. By learning content knowledge via inquiry, students develop and hone intellectual skills.

Scientific Practices – Intellectual Process Skills – Is Physics the Best Subject for Introductory Science Education? – Thinking and Reasoning – Intellectual Skills and Effort – Importance of Intellectual Skills – Critical Thinking – Critical Thinking Skills – Scientific Reasoning – Scientific Reasoning Skills – Intellectual Skills and Levels of Inquiry – Characteristics of an Intellectual Classroom