1. Welcome & Orientation (2–3 minutes per visitor/group)
Content: Briefly introduce the purpose of the design cards and how they connect to critical thinking frameworks (Facione and others).
Engagement: Use a quick “entry question” (e.g., Which critical thinking skill do your students struggle with most?) to personalize the conversation.
Process: Conversational, 1:1 or small group; frequent rotation as new attendees arrive.
2. Poster Walkthrough & Examples (5 minutes per group)
Content: Highlight key poster sections:
Why critical thinking matters
Overview of the design cards
Classroom examples of low‑prep activities
Adaptable templates for lesson design
Engagement: Attendees point to sections of interest; presenters tailor explanations to their context.
Process: Visual anchors on the poster guide discussion; attendees can scan QR codes for digital resources.
3. Interactive Prompt / Mini‑Activity (3–5 minutes)
Content: Invite attendees to select a sample card (physical demo card or digital image on a tablet/QR code)
Engagement: Ask them to brainstorm aloud how they might adapt it for their own subject/grade, which station structure it might fit, and what materials might be needed. They will document that thinking using index cards and post-it features.
Process: Peer‑to‑peer sharing encouraged if multiple attendees are present; quick, low‑stakes ideation.
4. Dialogue & Reflection (ongoing)
Content: Discuss how frameworks like Facione’s serve as a backdrop, but the cards drive practical design.
Engagement: Encourage attendees to share challenges from their classrooms; presenters connect those to strategies shown on the poster.
Process: Conversational coaching; frequent check‑ins to keep dialogue participant‑centered.
5. Takeaways & Resources (1–2 minutes per visitor)
Content: Provide a reusable planning template and links to Critical Creativity in Action and related resources.
Engagement: Ask attendees to add their insights and ideas to the interactive spaces on the poster.
Process: QR codes, handouts, or digital downloads ensure participants leave with concrete tools.
Engagement Tactics Throughout
Frequent rotation of small groups (every 5–7 minutes).
Use of entry questions to personalize dialogue.
Mini‑activity with demo cards to spark application.
Peer‑to‑peer sharing when multiple attendees gather.
Index cards and post-it notes ensure all participants can have an tactile experiences by choice
Device‑based engagement via QR codes for resources, templates, and further reading.
After engaging with this poster, participants will be able to:
Recognize how intentional, low‑prep activity design fosters critical thinking across subjects and grade levels; Analyze classroom examples that illustrate creative strategies for cultivating reasoning, reflection, and student ownership.
Apply adaptable templates and take‑away resources to design their own critical thinking activities; and reflect on how frameworks like Facione’s can serve as a backdrop for lesson planning.
Ryder, D. & Burvall, A. (2017). Intention: Critical Creativity in the Classroom. Introduces “critical creativity” as a pathway to deeper thinking, offering over 40 classroom‑ready activities that merge creativity with intentional design.
Ryder, D. & Gardy, J, U.S. Department of State, Office of English Language Programs (2021). Critical Creativity in Action: Teacher’s Manual. An open‑access resource featuring design cards and adaptable activities that integrate creativity and critical thinking across disciplines.
Hunt, C. (iPad Art Room). Award‑winning educator and Apple Distinguished Educator, Cathy Hunt demonstrates how tactile, creative processes combined with digital tools foster critical and creative thinking in classrooms worldwide.
Kleon, A. (2012–2019). Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work!, Keep Going. New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon emphasizes remixing ideas, sharing process, and sustaining creativity—principles that align with using design cards as generative tools for lesson creation.
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