What is "Dumbing up?" (Part 2)

Without a solid foundation of knowledge at the identify-match-recall-spit-it-out level, is it possible to develop higher-level thinking in any meaningful, lasting way? That is, is it fair to expect students to develop intellectually without first establishing the basis on which to develop their intellects?

We must admit that, however well-intentioned we are as parents and teachers, far too many of us expect students to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills without preparing students to do so. Consider the negative impact this has on healthy cognitive development; then contemplate the potential adverse effects it has on social and emotional development as well.

What is "Dumbing up?" (Part 1)

Through the 1960s, rote learning through repetitive 

practice dominated our schools' curricula. 

Critical and creative thinking were low 

on the agenda (if they were on the 

agenda at all). Thankfully, the tide turned. 

Today, we take it for granted that our 

children need to develop into higher order

thinkers. To navigate our fast and complex 

world, they must infer meaning, think 

abstractly, synthesize information, and 

solve problems. Deep understanding is more

important than the recall of facts; children

should not be machines that simply spit out

information.

BUT...