Teaching logical reasoning

What does research suggest about the teaching and learning of early logical reasoning?

Logic and logical reasoning are based on asking what is true and false and are central to many subjects including language, science, computer science and mathematics
Logical reasoning is the basis for student understanding of concepts such as counting, equivalence and classifying
Logical reasoning is making any argument using facts and connections, not just formal reasoning and proof; it can be analogical, abductive, inductive or deductive
Understanding the difference between logic and belief and the way they interact supports students to develop logical reasoning
Asking young students to complete idea generation tasks may help them to reason logically as it promotes creative and divergent thinking
Exploring “all, none, some” type tasks and logic puzzles/games, as well as using both formal and visual representations, helps students to develop logical reasoning
Giving students logical reasoning tasks with imaginary or nonsensical rules (false premises) helps them to develop abstract reasoning
Possible tasks to support the development of early logical reasoning include “all x have y” types (implication), “knight and knave” puzzles, and exploring the use of “always” and “never” statements

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