JOURNAL ARTICLE

From the Archives: Adventures in the Gray Zone: Critical/Creative Thinking and How to Structure the Personal Meaning of Education.

  • Published In: Forum for International Research on Students & Teaching, 2025, v. 36, n. 1. P. 24 1 of 3

  • Database: Education Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Laff, Ned Scott 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Ned Scott Laff's concept of the "Gray Zone," a critical space where academic inquiry and personal development intersect through shared critical and creative thinking skills. Drawing on William Perry's developmental theory and Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Laff parallels paradigm shifts in science with personal developmental transitions, emphasizing activities such as hypothesizing and questioning. He advocates for academic advisors to act as "research directors," guiding students in five key critical thinking practices to foster self-directed learning and personal meaning-making. The article anticipates modern discussions on integrative learning and the evolving role of liberal education in supporting student success. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Forum for International Research on Students & Teaching. 2025/09, Vol. 36, Issue 1, p24
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:192333255
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Forum for International Research on Students & Teaching is the property of New York College Learning Skills Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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