We live in a time with more information more readily available than any other period in human history. That's amazing! 

But it's also overwhelming. 

It's never been so easy to get information about a topic, but it's never been so hard to figure out what we can trust. 

Think For Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking in an Age of Information Overload was written by Andrea Debbink to help middle school learners navigate these tough challenges. 

Gain Key Academic Writing and Reading Foundations

Students will learn foundational academic writing and reading skills including thesis statements, note taking, topic sentences, paragraph focus, and transitions. They will practice these skills through themed writing assignments based on the book and supplemental materials. 

Meet Live Weekly

This is a live class, which means we meet weekly to discuss the reading and explore writing tips. Learners can also interact with each other and the instructor between class meetings on our discussion boards.

Provided materials include reading guides and activities to help with vocabulary and comprehension as well as writing tips to apply to both short, informal writing assignments and longer, multi-draft essays.

Practice Writing as a Process

Most importantly, students will compose two multi-draft papers with individual video feedback on rough drafts and the opportunity to revise a final draft.

Schedule

Class runs from October 14-December 8, 2024.

We’ll meet via Zoom for a live discussion session each Tuesday at 2-2:45pm Eastern/1-1:45pm Central/12-12:45pm Mountain/11-11:45am Pacific

If a learner cannot attend a session due to illness or a schedule conflict, they will still have access to all class materials and can check in with the instructor with any questions. 

Supplies

To participate successfully in class, learners will need the following:

• A copy of Think for Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Critical Thinking in an Age of Information Overload by Andrea Debbink (ISBN 9781950500048) (used copies are fine; borrowed/library copies are acceptable but it’s preferable for learners to have their own copy so they can take notes in it)
• Microphone and camera for in-class participation
• PDF Reader
• Zoom (free account)
• Learners will submit work through Google Drive (a Google (Gmail) account can be acquired for free)