Online Courses
Online Courses
5 January 2021
Residential Courses
23 January 2023
Critical thinking via reading
Age: 14-16
It is often said that reading broadens the mind. This course offers a great opportunity to satisfy curiosity of young minds on many subjects that they are interested in, such as environment, technology, how the world economy works and many more.
Reading material is used to cultivate their critical thinking, encouraging them to ask questions, to debate, to learn to agree and disagree.
This course is designed to complement school curriculum.
What to expect
Our courses and workshops aim to develop life skills that complement lessons learnt at schools and in classrooms, that equip young people to face challenges at university and in work place. Our tutors and mentors are therefore selected based on their field experience and track record in their fields. Many of them have mentored young executives, young performers, in their respective industries. All of them have experienced tutoring and mentoring people with diverse backgrounds.
Sample Outline
Pre-reading
The students are encouraged to pre-read the text before the lesson. They should only spend about 10 – 15 minutes on this task.
Practising conversation
Each lesson will begin with a few minutes ice-breaking exercise and to practise casual conversation. All students are encouraged to participate.
Reading aloud and general comprehension
Students will take turns reading the text. Each week will discuss what the extract is about and clarify any difficult vocabulary or concepts.
Homework
Any homework will be ‘light’ as the most important preparation is the pre-reading before the next sessions.
Practising specific reading skills
Students will then be asked to write down the answers to more specific questions, for example practising skills of skimming and scanning, retrieval, inference, rewording, process, identifying the main idea etc. There will be feedback afterwards.
Reflecting on writers’ techniques
Discussion will zoom into a specific part of the text to consider techniques the writer has used and how the reader has been influenced by them. Students will be given the opportunity to write their opinions or practise using the same techniques themselves.
Self-reflection
At the end of the session, students will reflect on their learning.
