The principles of HAST (Humanities, Arts, Science, Technology) can be integrated into education through the development of the following key elements: Argumentative Introduction, Presentation of Evidence, Critique & Counterargument, Defense of Argument.
When students learn and develop these key elements of HAST, their educational growth and success should increase. Students can then apply each of these elements to other areas of study, and in turn, encourage them to pursue further learning through higher education.
ARGUMENTATIVE INTRODUCTION
Introduce your argument with confidence, strength, and clarity. Whether it is a scientific research paper, a classroom debate or discussion, or an expression of artistic freedom, without an argumentative introduction the chance to succeed will be reduced significantly if not eliminated. Just as it is important for the track and field sprinter to get off the blocks cleanly and begin the race with a good first step, so should it be to the student who is presenting a theory, hypothesis, or statement.
PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE
Your argument should be based on solid evidence from reliable sources. As you introduce your argument, be prepared to present the evidence you have in support of it. The best way to build your argument is through evidence, the best way to build evidence is through research. Observe, inquire, and read, find out what is known, what studies are out there, and who has presented prior evidence that will be of help to you.
CRITIQUE & COUNTERARGUMENT
Having introduced your argument and presented evidence to support it, it is time to share it with the audience and embrace critique and counterarguments that could be made. Personal or professional disagreement, lack of confidence, strength, or clarity, questioning of the evidence presented, these and other reasoning can lead the audience to critique your argument and present their own counterargument when presented with your argument. This is an important part of the process as it allows for adjustments to be made and new reasoning to be taken into consideration.
DEFENSE OF ARGUMENT
Your argument is your creation, defend it. Find more evidence, collect more data, review the critique and counterarguments for validity and determine if they are to be regarded or discarded. Try alternative approaches to introduce the argument or present the evidence. Make adjustments to your argument by formatting or changing the approach. Research that which can be used as critique and counterargument, and prepare your defense of argument.
Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator
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