Thinking Critically

What is critical thinking? Critical thinking is the process of examining, analyzing, questioning, and challenging situations, issues, and information of all kinds.

Elements of critical thinking Problem/goal identification Diagnosis Exploration Action: Do it! Reflection

Why is critical thinking important? It identifies bias It's oriented toward the problem, issue, or situation being addressing. It gives you the whole picture It brings in other necessary factors

Why is critical thinking important? (cont.) It considers both the simplicity and complexity of its object. It gives you the most nearly accurate view of reality. It is most likely to help you get the results you want.

Who can (and should) learn to think critically? Everyone, from children to senior citizens.

How to help people learn to think critically How to be a critical thinking facilitator: Affirm learners' self-worth Listen attentively to learners Show your support for critical thinking efforts Reflect and mirror learners' ideas and actions Motivate people to think critically, but help them to understand when it's appropriate to voice critical ideas and when it's not

How to help people learn to think critically (cont.) Regularly evaluate progress with learners Help learners create networks of support Be a critical teacher Make people aware of how they learn critical thinking Model critical thinking

How to encourage the critical stance Recognize assumptions Examine information for accuracy, assumptions, biases, or specific interests Consider the context of the information, problem, or issue

Facilitating problem solving using critical thinking Identify the assumptions behind the problem Challenge those assumptions Imagine alternatives to what you started with Critique the alternatives Reframe the problem and solution