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Testimonials from Past Attendees

The 44th Annual International Conference
on Critical Thinking

 

 

Entirely Online

 

 Pre-Conference: July 21
Main Conference: July 22 - 26, 2023

Please note that the video and audio feeds in all sessions are recorded. The Foundation for Critical Thinking reserves the right to publish the resulting footage in whole or in part for any purpose. By attending the event, you agree to said recording and publication.


Comments From Participants at Past Conferences




Here are some comments from those who have attended our conferences through the years. We hope to add your testimonial to this list after the 44th Annual International Conference:

 
"I truly believe in the FCT's work and see them as the outstanding leaders in this field."

"[The conference] gave me a thorough comprehension of the underlying ideas behind critical thinking and stoked my desire to incorporate these ideas into my everyday life. The conference also provided me with access to priceless learning tools and enabled fruitful networking interactions with other worldwide attendees who are passionate about developing their critical thinking abilities."

"Congratulations to your Foundation for putting together this year's Conference Program with very relevant and significant session topics! Thank you for this great opportunity to expanding my mind, that I hope will lead me toward finding freedom and truth."

" . . . the interchange among the participants was excellent."

"Stimulating, engaging . . . thank you to the presenters for a very robust week of thinking together and to the administrators for your smooth organization of this event."

"I restructured my whole first day of class based on your keynote address. I can't believe no one ever introduced this to me before."

"No one can possibly participate without changing (or learning) some aspect of how to improve their own thinking."

"Your "stepping-out" on the proverbial 'limb' in designing this conference was worthwhile. The info was clearly presented, usable, concrete and even FUN!"

"The conference is invigorating, both intellectually and emotionally, and it provides a wealth of practical strategies/methods."

"Concrete information about how to implement critical thinking in a course."

"It is one of those experiences that Kafka would have described just like reading as an 'ax for the frozen sea inside.' It cuts and thaws one's own reasoning and self-understanding by setting oneself forcibly to inquire and examine individual methods of thinking and one's own thought processes. . . . I would definitely want to continuously attend every year . . ."

"This one-of-a-kind conference was a true gem  . . .  The learning experience was beyond compare . . . Their expertise and passion in the field of critical thinking were evident in every aspect of the conference. . . . inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on my journey to becoming a better critical thinker. I am truly humbled to have had the chance to learn from such remarkable mentors and organizers.  Their dedication to fostering an environment of growth and discovery is truly commendable."

"Something I considered as not just a conference but a lifetime opportunity for my communities and institutions because my impact will be made positively due to the knowledge, skills and experiences gained."

"I was delighted about being among critical thinking experts. This experience made me realize that I know very little about the development of critical thinking. However, I can say I have new challenges now. It was so good to share knowledge and experience with teachers from other countries, they were actually motivating."

" . . . it was extremely rewarding, exciting, and humbling to interact with different cultures and backgrounds, with the common goal (with a common language) of seeking better thinking and answering questions of great relevance to myself – and to the world, it would seem. It was great to see Dr. Elder and the FCT team doing the vital work of Critical Thinking."

"It was an enriching learning experience that added significantly to my understanding and appreciation of critical thinking. I particularly liked having the opportunity to meet participants in the breakout rooms."

"The level of expertise and knowledge of the presenters are excellent. In addition, I appreciate their positive attitudes, willingness to explain concepts, clarity of visual aids and handouts, and opportunities to ask questions."
 
"I’m glad my General Education director insisted on my attendance at this Critical Thinking Conference.  I’ve learned a great deal for application in both my teaching and my life in general."

"The workshops are intensive work in doing critical thinking, not just reading about it."
 
"The insights I have gained from this one conference far exceed any other conference I have attended to date. Wonderful, insightful, well presented!"

"Excellent sessions, challenging and thought provoking."
 
"Exceptional! Terrific! Stimulating!"

"I wish people in all walks of life would engage their minds and hearts in this way."

"Refreshing and useful!"
 
"It doesn’t matter how many times I attend, I always learn something new!"
 
"Outstanding mind-opener!"
 
"Very systematic, organized, insightful and inspirational, as always.  Thank you!"
 
"Very helpful, just what I needed!"
 
"Great educational experience, I’m soaking it all in!"
 
"Great suggestions on how to focus on students’ strengths, not weaknesses, and how to apply the tools to empower them as critical thinkers."
 
"The workshop taught me the practicality of implementing critical thinking. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned back to my school."
 
"I would recommend this workshop to my colleagues, my dean and the college president because it is such a good primer. I would like to have more of my colleagues involved with critical thinking as professional development."  

"I loved the practical ideas and activities we got to engage in."
 
"Powerful, life-changing!"
 
"Exceeded my expectations. A very worthwhile experience."
 
"So glad to be able to return to further explore and hone my critical thinking skills."
 
"I’ve learned a lot that I will take home with me and ingest, teach and use."
 
"Lessons were practical and engaging. I now have more tools to teach critical thinking."

"This conference stimulated 'instructional' creativity. It also showed how to help students develop their understanding of and appreciation for asking questions."

"I gained a better understanding of the concept of knowledge and how to apply it to problems with critical thinking."

"I appreciated the pace of material presented. This information requires many repetitions and supportive practice."

"As usual this was concrete, usable and applicable to teaching. Dr. Nosich always does a good job."

"It provided a systematic way of evaluating general information."

"Excellent identification of intellectual traits and introspection to identify barriers."

"Recognizing/affirming the importance of significant ideas, which generate significant 'live' questions."

" . . . feel equipped to take my teaching of reading up several notches. Thank you! The design . . . increased in complexity very smoothly and at a good pace."

"Every reading teacher / reading program director needs this booklet [How to Read a Paragraph ] . Why have we been making the teaching of reading such a ridiculously difficult endeavor? Shameful!"

"Thanks for all the sharing. Its been a catalyst for self reflection and the integration of all the ideas I’ve ever heard but never really thought seriously about."

"The most valuable thing was rebuilding a relationship with critical thinking methodology — which has reignited the flame!"

"This conference gave me time to reflect and grow in many aspects of personal and professional life." 

"Discovering and working with colleagues as we thought through the content; joining a community of learners."

"It provides a depth of understanding that isn't possible from reading."

"It was life changing!"

"It helped me better understand the manner in which I can apply CT skills within the discipline of Biology."

"Among the most stimulating days I’ve ever spent intellectually."

"It is mind expanding and illuminating."

"My teaching is being transformed to inspire students’ development of critical thinking skills through practice and through effective facilitation."

"Great information for teachers to be able to move their thinking forward, and be able to in turn pass this on to students."

"Truly 'Life Changing.' "

"It’s informative, useful and important for assessing authentic learning."