Praxis?

Michael Pickett, Ed.D.

Praxis originates from the Greek word "prassein" -- to pass through. Taken more practically, praxis refers to the exercise or practice of an art, science or skill. In essence, praxis includes a skillful synthesis and application of the many theoretical concepts that we learn throughout our educational journeys. According to Will McWhinney, co-founder of the Fielding Institute, praxis is actually "the practice of many practices". As many of us may have already experienced, the practical application of theoretical knowledge is very difficult to accomplish on a daily basis.

Where Can We Start?

Linda Elder and Richard Paul from The Center and Foundation For Critical Thinking suggest that the following questions become infused in the thinking of students, forming part of their inner voice, which then guides them to better reasoning.

1. CLARITY: Could you elaborate further on that point? Could you express that point in another way? Could you give me an illustration? Could you give me an example?
2. ACCURACY: Is that really true? How could we check that? How could we find out if that is true?
3. PRECISION: Could you give more details? Could you be more specific?
4. RELEVANCE: How is that connected to the question? How does that bear on the issue?
5. DEPTH: How does your answer address the complexities in the question? How are you taking into account the problems in the question? Is that dealing with the most significant factors?
6. BREADTH: Do we need to consider another point of view? Is there another way to look at this question? What would this look like from a conservative standpoint? What would this look like from the point of view of...?

Academic Exchange Extra invites reader responses to any writings in this issue--especially articles advancing the scholarly debate of issues raised.

Page Viewed:   / Created: April 2001 / Updated: Tuesday, 10 April 2001