Which one of the following examples most clearly illustrates how a mental set can interfere with problem solving?
a. Abigail wants to make amends with a boyfriend she recently fought with. However, the boy tells her that he is now dating someone else.
b. Bernadette's car won't start. Because she has always driven her car to work before, it doesn't occur to her to take the bus to work.
c. Corinne needs to calculate the volume of a pyramid. She knows she learned the correct formula in class, but she can't seem to remember it now.
d. Danielle is working on a jigsaw puzzle. One of the pieces to the puzzle is missing.
Question 2
Identify a particular grade level at which you hope to teach some day. If appropriate, also identify the particular subject area in which you plan to specialize (science, social studies, language arts, physical education, etc.). Then describe three different strategies you might use to promote critical thinking in your students. Illustrate each strategy with a specific, concrete example of what you might do.
What will be an ideal response?