Final answer:
The purpose of multi-step high level thinking is all of the above, aiming to analyze, evaluate, interpret, and synthesize information to enhance students' cognitive skills and understanding of complex concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of multi-step high level thinking is all of the above. High level thinking tasks such as critical thinking questions involve a student's ability to analyze and evaluate information, interpret and synthesize information, and are designed to stretch students' thinking. These tasks ask students to engage in various complex cognitive processes, such as to analyze a subject or issue from more than one perspective, analyze a cause or an effect, examine a problem and recommend a solution, compare or contrast, and conduct research and report results. By doing so, students demonstrate comprehension, develop their critical and creative thinking, and gain deeper insights into the subject matter.
Synthesis is a crucial part of this process. It involves combining information from various sources to form a new understanding. Students interpret key points to make new meaning, look for connections between texts, and combine bits and pieces of information for a specific purpose. This requires complex reading and thinking skills. This kind of thinking is especially important in the field of Social Studies, where assessing historical events, policies, and social dynamics through multiple lenses is key to understanding the complexities of human societies.
Through tasks and assessments that encourage high level thinking, educators aim to confirm students' conceptual understanding, allow them to demonstrate that understanding in both brief explanations and more in-depth assignments, and facilitate the development of reasoning and analytical skills.