Critical Thinking or how to learn and know that you know what you know, if you know it Terry C. Norris

Definitions 1. Critical thinking is purposeful and reflective judgment about what to believe or do in response to observations, experience, verbal or written expressions, or arguments. Critical thinking might involve determining the meaning and significance of what is observed or expressed, or, concerning a given inference or argument, determining whether there is adequate justification to accept the conclusion as true (wikipedia.com).observationsexperienceverbalwrittenarguments 2. Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tends (Glaser, Edward M. An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, 1941 – ctd in wikipedia.com).

3. A persistent effort to examine evidence that supports any belief, solution, or conclusion prior to its acceptance. The ability to think clearly, to analyze, and to reason logically (Macomb Intermediate School District, One of the most important skills for college work and beyond, seeks the meaning beneath the surface of a statement, poem, editorial, picture, advertisement, or other “text.” Using analysis, the critical thinker separates this text into its elements in order to see meanings, relations, and assumptions that might otherwise remain buried (AP English Language and Composition,

5. “Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately” (The Critical Thinking Co., articles/articles/critical-thinking-definition.jsp). Most definitions of critical thinking relate to argumentation, but it is broader than that:

Practical Definition “Critical” (from Greek): kritikos (adj) = able to discern kritos (adj) = separated, chosen krinein (inf) = to separate, choose krino (vb) = to judge, decide, make a distinction To think carefully so as to make an appropriate decision

The Nature of Critical Thinking The ability to think critically involves three things: An attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning Some skill in applying those methods (Glaser, Edward M. An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, 1941 – ctd in wikipedia.com) Critical thinking can occur whenever one judges, decides, or solves a problem; in general, whenever one must figure out what to believe or what to do, and do so in a reasonable and reflective way (ibid). Critical thinking employs not only logic (either formal or, much more often, informal) but broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance (Paul, Dr. Richard; Dr. Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Dillon Beach: Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008 – ctd in wikipedia.com).logicformal informalclaritycredibilityaccuracy precisionrelevancebreadthsignificance

All critical thinking issues can be reduced to two questions: 1. Are you sure? 2. How do you know?

Profile of a Critical Thinker Assuming that critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do, a critical thinker: 1. Is open-minded and mindful of alternatives 2. Tries to be well-informed 3. Judges well the credibility of sources 4. Identifies conclusions, reasons, and assumptions 5. Judges well the quality of an argument, including the acceptability of its reasons, assumptions, and evidence 6. Can well develop and defend a reasonable position 7. Asks appropriate clarifying questions 8. Formulates plausible hypotheses; plans experiments well 9. Defines terms in a way appropriate for the context 10. Draws conclusions when warranted, but with caution 11. Integrates all items in this list when deciding what to believe or do (Ennis, Robert H. The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests)The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests

Application Phases of learning content: Internalization – visualize the basic ideas, principles, and theories that are inherent in content Application – use those ideas, principles, and theories as they become relevant

Critical thinking helps students understand the concepts and content of an area of study and apply them accurately, and to think more clearly and effectively. To do that effectively, the student must employ critical thinking skills: - Learn what it takes to understand the subject matter - Determine one’s learning level and initial understanding of the subject - Learn the thought process necessary to understanding the concepts and subject matter - Test one’s newly acquired understanding of the subject - Formulate questions that stimulate thinking that is essential to the construction and application of knowledge - Expand one’s ability to learn by understanding and applying the thinking process Summary