Artistic achievement in dance requires many ways of thinking and solving problems. Students learn to attend to details as well as to "the big picture". They learn to unify diverse elements into cohesive works of art. They become adept at applying tools of critical thinking, and they learn to confidently approach and solve problems in numerous ways. The following list of teaching strategies is included to assist teachers in the process of building students' skills of critical thinking and problem solving:

• Emphasize that problem solving in dance, as in many other areas of life, is a process of developing individual solutions to complex problems. With this in mind, teach students to make choices within the structure of the Dance TEKS.
• As students learn the basics of dance, stretch their thinking by initiating serious discussions about what makes one dance form distinct from another. What are its strengths? Ask "why," "how," and "what if" questions when discussing characteristics of a dance form or of specific works.
• Discuss with students the purposes of different types of questions, e.g., application, synthesis, or opinion questions. Talk about the power of each type of question to get students thinking about the processes of critical and creative thinking and problem solving in dance.
• Guide students in their acquisition of skills practiced in dance class by asking individuals or small groups of students to define problems and suggest solutions. Use student-generated problems/questions in class activities.
• Use journaling to help students generate or clarify their thoughts before class discussions and activities.
• Compare opposing critiques of a dance and ask probing questions about the sources of any differences of opinion.
• Encourage abstract, non-linear thinking and approaches to problem solving to enable students to make connections among things or concepts seemingly unrelated.
• Emphasize the value of self-reflection in the process of artistic growth. Provide numerous opportunities for students to consider the impact of their creative choices. Help them learn to examine and constructively evaluate student and professional work in dance.