Cognition: Students will think logically and critically in solving problems; explaining their conclusions; and evaluating, supporting, or critiquing the thinking of others.

Analysis and Synthesis: Students will understand and build upon complex issues and discover the connections and correlations among ideas to advance toward a valid independent conclusion.

Beginner:

1. Focuses on conclusions, personality of speaker, and intentions.

2. Does not recognize/understand argument structure.

3. Has difficulty seeing complex ideas as being composed of simpler parts.

4. Does not completely grasp the practical relevance of ideas.

Has difficulty applying ideas to experience.

Instructor’s Comments

Developing:

1. Can recognize basic elements of good argumentation, i.e., validity, soundness.

2. Can break arguments down to constituent conceptual elements.

3. Appreciates the value of a coherent world view, but has not achieved this yet.

Instructor’s Comments

Accomplished:

1. Can easily apply elements of good argumentation.

2. Can create complex arguments and apply them.

3. Can articulate a coherent world view and integrate new ideas into it.

4. Ignores personalities and intentions of speaker and focuses on their arguments.

Instructor’s Comments

How can these skills be learned?

1. Instruction in basic elements of logic.
2. Progressive complexity of reading and writing.
3. Familiarize students with the broader social/historical context of debates.
4. Teachers should model good reasoning and good listening.

Benchmarks for Analysis/Synthesis Generated during ALP professional development session from Steve and Lee in Philosophy