Problem Solving, Reasoning, and Analytical Thinking in a Classroom Environment

Problem solving, reasoning, and analytical thinking are defined and described as teachable repertoires. This paper describes work performed at a school serving special needs children, Morningside Academy, that has resulted in specific procedures developed over the past 15 years. These procedures include modifying “Think Aloud Pair Problem Solving”(after Whimbey & Lochhead, 1991) methods developed for college students so that they can be taught to young learners and by teaching a repertoire of “Fluent Thinking Skills” (Robbins, Layng, & Jackson, 1995) that emphasizes inquiry through questioning.