Which strategy is commonly used in AVID to enhance critical thinking skills?

Socratic seminars are a widely recognized strategy within the AVID framework for enhancing critical thinking skills. This method encourages students to engage in dialogue, fostering deep analysis and reflective thinking. In a Socratic seminar, students ask open-ended questions and explore diverse viewpoints on a topic, allowing them to articulate their thoughts and justify their opinions. This environment promotes active participation and encourages students to think critically about the material, enhancing their ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.

By using this approach, students learn to listen to others, build upon different perspectives, and develop reasoned arguments. It moves away from traditional rote learning and instead emphasizes dialogue and exploration of ideas, which are essential components of critical thinking. This makes Socratic seminars a powerful tool in the AVID curriculum, where the goal is to empower students with the skills necessary to succeed academically and socially.