Education for thinking

Kuhn (Teachers College, Columbia Univ.) is an expert on cognitive development and its implications for teaching and learning. This well-written book presents both theoretical and practical information related to the issue of how to increase students' thinking ability. Based upon a Dewey/Collaborative Learning philosophy, the book focuses on presenting a curriculum that will develop students' inquiry/argument learning skills/abilities, which the author documents will develop their thinking skills. Kuhn put this curriculum approach into action in an inner-city school and a "best practice" suburban school, both with very good results. The author is highly qualified to discuss the issues in this book, which has an excellent reference section. The sections of the book that focus on argument and developing student skills in argumentation are especially insightful. This book would be of interest to graduate students in curriculum, theory, and philosophy of education, as well as those interested in teaching at the elementary or middle school level. The volume also contains information for experienced practitioners. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and practitioners. W. C. Hine Eastern Illinois University