1. Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones
Topic: Think

2. Critical Thinking Can Help You…
Focus on relevant issues/problems
Gather key information
Understand and organize thoughts and facts
Analyze problems and causes
Mange priorities and develop plans
Assist in problem-solving skills
Help you control your emotional reactions
Produce new knowledge
Help you determine the accuracy of information
Assist you in detecting bias and persuasion in argument

3. Eight Steps to Critical Thinking

4. Emotional Intelligence
Coping with social and emotional demands
Relates to:
personal achievement
career success
leadership
life satisfaction
As powerful as I.Q.

5. Amygdala Part of the brain’s emotional system
Protects us when we are afraid or upset
Feelings before thought
“Fight or flight?” based on previous experience

6. Look at Things Differently
Common issues with uncommon eyes
Known problems with new skepticism
Everyday conflicts with probing curiosity
Daily challenges with attention to detail
Clues and patterns

7. Types of Questions Questions of Fact – objective
Questions of Preference – subjective
Questions of Judgment – logic/evidence

8. Problem Solving

9. Fact v. Opinion A fact can be proven (objectively verified)
An opinion has no objective proof
To distinguish fact v. opinion:
Take nothing for granted
Consider who is making the assertion
Listen for what is not said

10. Fallacious Arguments Ad baculum Ad hominem Ad populum Ad verecundiam
Bandwagon
Scare tactic
Straw argument
Appeal to tradition
Plain folks
Patriotism
Glittering generalities

11. Creative Thinking Aspect of critical thinking
Producing something that is uniquely yours
Requires internal resourcefulness
Characteristics: compassion, courage, truth, dreams, risk-taking, innovation, competition, individuality, curiosity, perseverance

12. Topic Reflections Use credible, reliable sources
Learn to distinguish fact from opinion
Be flexible and avoid generalizations
Use emotional intelligence and restraint
Avoid stereotyping and prejudice
Reserve judgment
Do not assume – do research and ask questions
Distinguish symptoms from problems