Higher Order Thinking

Definition

"Higher-order thinking requires students to manipulate information and ideas in ways that transform their meaning and implications. This transformation occurs when students combine facts and ideas in order to synthesise, generalise, explain, hypothesise or arrive at some conclusion or interpretation." (This definition comes from http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/html/pedagogies/intellect/int1a.html).

In the field of criminal justice, you must possess the critical ability to read and apply concepts to a number of circumstances and issues. Can you compare and contrast? Can you evaluate what you have read and come to a new way of thinking or looking at issues?

My Expectations

I may ask you to provide definitions but expect that I will want examples. I might also ask how two concepts differ in form, function, application, and so forth. Recall that I said, "Law is social control" (in page 4 of this lesson). A number of legal theorists have said the same thing before me, defining social control in a number of ways and through a number of applications.  I want you to see the possibilities and comprehend the responsibility you will incur if you enter a profession in which law is a primary factor.

If you wish to read about the law and expand some of the concepts I have discussed, please go to http://www.FindLaw.com.