1. Unit 7: Critical Thinking & Reading Comprehension CS123 College Success Strategies Prof. Abby Ngwako, M.Ed.

2. Objectives What is critical thinking? Characteristics of a Critical Thinker Why do we need to critically think? Critical thinking activity Reading Comprehension  SQ3R Method  PRR Connection between Critical thinking and Reading comprehension Reminders for Unit 7

3. What is Critical Thinking? (Gardner, Jewler, & Barefoot, 2007)  To manage and interpret information  Look at existing ideas to develop new ones  Organize information and reasons to form a logical thought process  Allows us to recognize “facts” from reasonable conclusions/assumptions

4. Characteristics of a critical thinker (Scriven & Paul, 2007)  Thinks of vital questions or problems  Gathers info and assess them based on whether provide well-reasoned conclusions or solutions  Open-minded about possibilities of alternative ideas or solutions  Communicates effectively with others to come to conclusion or solution, especially for complex problems

5. Why do we need to critically think?  Employers are looking for forward-thinking, driven leaders.  Provides ability to solve problems  You are able to apply what you have learned (i.e. concepts learned in your classes)  Gives you the opportunity to think of alternative solutions and choose the best option

6. Critical Thinking activity o Here is a scenario… 1. Caroline works in an entry level position at a local small business. In this role, she has to help develop more efficient procedures and has identified and solved several challenges for the office. She has always been interested in problem solving and loves puzzles, games, and other tactile activities. Caroline has said she does not consider herself a critical thinker, but when pressed she could not define critical thinking clearly

7. Reading Comprehension 3 factors impact reading comprehension 1. Motivation-understand for future use, commit to being life-long learner, share info with others, earn a good grade, complete course, earn degree and advance in career. 2. Concentration-effective time management, free of distractions 3. Reading Method-Ask important questions while reading. (Who, What, Where, When, Why and How).

8. SQ3R Method (Jones, 2004)  Survey- basic understanding of text by reviewing headings, subheadings, bold faced words, couple sentences of first paragraph. What is primary purpose?  Question- predict questions based on main points of chapter, answer questions that you predicted.  Read- keeping predicted questions in mind look out for important concepts, key words, phrases and form mental image  Record- taking notes/highlighting of important concepts, summarize in few sentences, explain to someone else what you have read. (concentration, retention, comprehension)  Review- transfer what you read into long term memory by thinking of examples that can be applied to concepts you read about, conduct 2 reviews one immediately after and one a few days after to help retain info.

9. PRR Method (UT Learning Center, n.d.)  Preview-skim through reading for main ideas (similar to Survey step)  Read-actively read, ask questions and answer as you read, keep focused, divide up reading into smaller parts  Recall-try to recall to yourself what you just read, take notes and put them into your own words, summarize what you read ***Good for when short on time, familiar with topic, reading will not take time to retain

10. Critical thinking and Reading Comprehension 1. Why would we need to be able to critically think in order to understand what we read? 2. How will critical thinking help you in the future? As a student and as a professional? 3. Why is it important that we comprehend what we read?

11. Reminders for Unit 7 Please make sure to respond to ALL discussion questions on Reading Comprehension Don’t forget to post at least 2 peer responses NO Project for Unit 7 but there is a quiz. Please take it before end of unit on next Tuesday If you missed out on seminar tonight, make sure to respond to seminar questions for credit.

12. References Gardner, J.N., Jewler, J.A., & Barefoot, B.O. (2007). Your College Experience Strategies for Success (7 th Ed.). Boston, MA: Thomson Wadsworth. Jones, D. (2004). Painless Reading Comprehension (Painless Series). Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s. Scriven, M.,& Paul, R., (2007). Defining Critical Thinking. Retrieved on December 31, 2007 from The Critical Thinking Community website at http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/definingCT.cfm http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/definingCT.cfm UT Learning Center. (n.d.). PRR: Preview-Read-Recall. Retrieved July 15, 2007 from http://“www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/lrnres/handouts/reading/prr. pdf