The Centrality of Health Education to Developing Young Adolescents' Critical Thinking

Abstract:
This article argues that "critical thinking" is as much an attitude or disposition as it is a skill and discusses critical thinking in terms of health education for young adolescents. It notes that critical thinking matches the increasingly sophisticated cognitive development of young adolescents, that it can help them make decisions in ways that reduce the incidence of risky behaviors, and that it prepares them to be informed citizens and leaders. The article points out a lack of critical thinking in health curricula, inconsistent with broader educational reforms. The author wonders, "How can we say we want young people to be critical thinkers everywhere in the curriculum, except in health, where we want them to 'just say no'?" The article describes current policies in several states and looks to possible new directions for the future.

Author(s): SCALES, Peter C.

Publication: Journal of Health Education (supplement)


Date Published: 11/1/1993

Pages: 5

Location Code: 11128