What is Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.

People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked. They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers – concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking. They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason.

They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, biases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest. They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society. At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so. They avoid thinking simplistically about complicated issues and strive to appropriately consider the rights and needs of relevant others.

Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following : understand the logical connections between ideas identify, construct and evaluate arguments detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning solve problems systematically identify the relevance and importance of ideas reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values

Critical Thinking in Education

Perspectives on Learning All reasoning/thinking/learning: starts and progresses with questions and a need to understand; occurs within points of view and frames of reference; proceeds from some goals and objectives, has an informational base; uses data/information that must be interpreted and this interpretation involves concepts, values, assumptions, past knowledge, inferences, etc.

1. Identify the Problem. The first task is to determine if a problem exists. Sometimes when you think this point through, you may come to the conclusion that there really isn't a problem, just a misunderstanding. If that's the case, fine. If not, and you determine that there is indeed a problem, you need to identify exactly what it is.

2. Analyze the problem, look at it from different angles. Once you've determined the problem, analyze it by looking at it from a variety of perspectives. Is it solvable? Is it real or perceived? Can you solve it alone or do you need help? Sometimes by looking at it from many angles you can come up with a resolution right away. You may also reveal a bias or narrow point of view that needs to be broadened

3. Brainstorm and come up with a several possible solutions. Problems can be solved in many ways. Brainstorm a list of several possible solutions. Put down anything that comes to mind and then go over the list and narrow it down to the best possibilities. Having several viable options leads to obtaining the best results.

4. Decide which solution fits the situation best. Go over your list of possible solutions. Different situations call for different solutions. Quite often what works in one situation, may not work in a similar one. Take time to determine what will work best for the problem at hand. One solution usually does not fit all.

5. Take action. Implement your solution. Every problem has a solution; even if it may be to accept the situation, and move on. Instead of approaching problems and challenges as insurmountable obstacles, we can view them as opportunities to hone our critical thinking and problem- solving skills.

Critical Thinking Exercises

Name Three Things That are square._____________________________________________ 2. are big._____________________________________________ 3. are orange._____________________________________________ 4. are animals._____________________________________________ 5. live in the water._____________________________________________

Fact or Opinion? Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. _______ Ms. Thompson is the best teacher in school. ______ My parents are honest. _______ Most people watch American Idol. ________ Christmas is celebrated on December 25th every year. _______ Everybody looks forward to Christmas holidays. _______

What's Going to Happen Next? Joseph was in two minds whether to go to college or take up a job. He discussed this issue with his father who was hell bent that Joseph continued with his studies. Joseph had always been an independent sort of person, so ______________________________________ Nancy was working part-time along with her studies so that she could save enough money to buy her own apartment. When Charles, who was an extremely rich guy, proposed her, she _____________________________________________

Logic puzzles  A rich man makes a promise to you: ‘I have a diamond, a coin, and a rock. If you say something true, then I will give one of them to you, but it could be any one of the three. If you say something false, I won’t give any of them to you.’ What should you say if you want him to give you the diamond?  A very special island is inhabited only by knights and knaves. Knights always tell the truth, and knaves always lie. You meet two inhabitants: Carl and Bill. Carl says, ‘I and Bill are both knights or both knaves.’ Bill claims, ‘Only a knave would say that Carl is a knave.’ Can you determine who is a knight and who is a knave?