Chapter 10: The Instruction and Acquisition of Cognitive Skills in Israel: Difficulties and Accomplishments

The need for promoting skill acquisition in the present age of information became the focus of attention for many educators. The chapter portrays modes of instruction and acquisition of thinking skills based on theories concerning cognitive operations and pedagogy. The Israeli Ministry of Education policy concerning the acquisition of thinking skills is presented, as well as the implementation of skill learning in the curricula. Various interventions that were carried out along the Israeli educational system, from the elementary school level, junior high and high school, and up to teacher education and in-service programs, are described. Both lower-order and higher-order skills are discussed with an emphasis on the domain of science.