Science literacy, specifically where ideas come from, how progress depends on prior knowledge. It requires ability to see interrelationships between ideas, prioritize information, and make evaluative decisions in order to produce a written product.

The "Seance" or "Herding Ghosts" exercise begins with group work that can be partially role played. Discussions and questions follow. The instruction takes about two class periods. It culminates in a written product (take-home quiz) that uses a scoring rubric.

In an introductory course, use only one such high-level thinking activity and mentor students through the thinking process until they produce a high level product that they are able to distinguish from their initial product. One done well is better than many done with partial success. This is labor-intensive activity that requires, at least two drafts, and perhaps even an office consultation, but the result is worth it. See notes on examples provided in the activity.

How do you handle writing problems with your introductory-level students? How do you articulate the nature of different levels of thinking to your students?