Rethinking Thinking: Exploring the Ladder of Inference

Juliana Garcia

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Rethinking Thinking: Exploring the Ladder of Inference

To teach critical thinking skills

This lesson introduces 10th-grade students to the concept of the 'ladder of inference,' a model that explains how we process experiences subconsciously. Through a combination of video, discussion, and activities, students will learn to identify and analyze their thought processes, enhancing their critical thinking skills. This lesson is important as it helps students become more aware of their cognitive functions, enabling them to make more informed decisions and improve their problem-solving abilities.

Audience

10th grade students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Project-Based Learning, Active Learning

Materials

Video: Rethinking Thinking, Worksheet: Ladder of Inference Analysis, Quiz: Understanding the Ladder of Inference, Discussion: Applying the Ladder of Inference, and Answer Key: Ladder of Inference Quiz

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to critical thinking and its importance.
Explain the concept of the 'ladder of inference' and how it relates to our daily decision-making processes.
Introduce the video Rethinking Thinking and its relevance to the lesson.

Step 2

Video Viewing

6 mins

Play the video 'Rethinking Thinking' for the class.
Encourage students to take notes on key points and examples provided in the video.

Step 3

Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a class discussion using the 'Applying the Ladder of Inference' discussion questions.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and relate the video content to personal experiences.

Step 4

Activity: Ladder of Inference Analysis

7 mins

Distribute the 'Ladder of Inference Analysis' worksheet.
Guide students through the process of analyzing a real-life scenario using the ladder of inference model.
Allow students to work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet.

Step 5

Quiz and Exit Ticket

5 mins

Administer the 'Understanding the Ladder of Inference' quiz to assess students' comprehension.
Collect the quizzes and provide immediate feedback using the answer key.
Conclude with an exit ticket where students write one new insight they gained from the lesson.

Step 6

Closure

2 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Highlight the importance of being aware of our thought processes and assumptions.
Encourage students to apply the ladder of inference model in their daily lives to enhance their critical thinking skills.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Applying the Ladder of Inference

This discussion helps students apply the ladder of inference model to real-life scenarios, enhancing their understanding of how assumptions and beliefs influence actions.

How do our assumptions affect our actions?

Encourage students to think about how assumptions can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.

Can you think of a time when you made a decision based on assumptions?

Ask students to share personal experiences and reflect on the outcomes.

Worksheet

Ladder of Inference Analysis

This worksheet guides students through analyzing a real-life scenario using the ladder of inference model, helping them understand each step of the process.

Describe a situation where you made a quick judgment. What was the raw data you observed?

What assumptions did you make in this situation?

Consider what you believed to be true without evidence.

How did these assumptions influence your actions?

Quiz

Understanding the Ladder of Inference

Answer Key

Ladder of Inference Quiz Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for the 'Understanding the Ladder of Inference' quiz, helping teachers provide immediate feedback.

What is the first step in the ladder of inference?

Observing raw data
The first step involves observing raw data, which forms the basis for further analysis.

How can the ladder of inference help improve decision-making?

By clarifying thought processes
By clarifying thought processes, individuals can make more informed and rational decisions.