When students engage in blogging about big ideas, what skill are they developing?

When students engage in blogging about big ideas, they are primarily developing the skill of using critical thinking to make connections. This process involves analyzing information, drawing relationships between concepts, and synthesizing thoughts to form coherent and insightful perspectives. Blogging encourages students to delve deeply into topics, consider various viewpoints, and articulate their understanding in a way that reflects their unique interpretation.

Through blogging, students are asked to reflect on broader themes and abstract concepts, moving beyond rote memorization or mere fact regurgitation. They must think critically about the implications of the ideas they discuss, how they relate to their own experiences or current events, and how they can communicate those thoughts effectively to an audience. Such skills are essential in educational settings and pave the way for lifelong learners who can engage thoughtfully with complex issues.