Best Time to Learn Critical Thinking Skills

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimal age for learning critical thinking skills, with a focus on whether early childhood is the best time for this development. Participants share personal experiences and references to documentaries, exploring the implications of early training on logical thinking.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that critical thinking skills should be taught during early childhood, paralleling the idea that language acquisition is most effective at a young age.
  • Another participant agrees that younger is better for developing skills, referencing the early training of famous musicians like Mozart and Beethoven.
  • A participant recalls a BBC documentary, "7Up," which followed children over time, noting that many seemed to develop according to their early programming, though they found it difficult to generalize outcomes.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with learning and development, with one mentioning a significant development in logical thinking occurring in 9th grade.
  • There are mentions of differing backgrounds, such as being a "religious kid," which may influence perspectives on learning and logic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that early childhood may be a critical period for developing thinking skills, but there are differing views on the extent and implications of early programming, as well as personal experiences that shape their opinions.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes references to specific documentaries and individual learning trajectories that may not represent broader trends.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in education, child development, psychology, and those exploring the impact of early experiences on cognitive skills may find this discussion relevant.

torquerotates
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Now, I'm aware that the best time to learn a new language it during your toddler years. This got me thinking. What if the best time to learn logical thinking is also during this time? I know for a fact that kids are not taught critical thinking skills. I tutored many kids and only see them do basic plug and chug problems. Sometimes I even have to make up my own problems because they are so bored. Anyways, I want to hear your opinions. When do you guys think is the best time to train the brain?
 
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My opinion - the younger the better, for the skills. Weren't Mozart and Beethoven trained as toddlers?

Does anyone else recall a BBC documentary that followed about a dozen kids from age five to middle years? Most of them turned out about the way they had been programmed by age five.

I was an "Erector Set" kid.
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Don't know what the video game generations will turn out to be.
 
I was a religious kid
 
jim hardy said:
Does anyone else recall a BBC documentary that followed about a dozen kids from age five to middle years? Most of them turned out about the way they had been programmed by age five.

The documentary was called 7Up, 14Up, 21Up, 28Up. Some of the people looked the same at every age. Others were unrecognizable at each age. I couldn't make any generalization.
 
I learned it when I was forking with my dongle.
 
PhizKid said:
I was a religious kid

Me too. Not enough evidence, but at least for me my logic "came" in 9th grade, and is constantly developing via physics forums :cool:
 

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