Learning to Think CriticallyLearning to Think Criticallypages 26-39pages 26-39ObjectivesObjectives

Define thinking & reflectionIdentify 3 functions of the brainDescribe how thinking impacts decision makingDescribe how thinking impacts problem solving

Identify steps to good decision makingIdentify 2 of the 6 skills to implement for critical thinkingList the 3 part technique to critical readingProvide an example of a part and standard

for critical thinkingProvide examples of the 3 kinds of questioning

Chapter 1, Lesson 3

Quick WriteQuick Write

What was the last great movie you saw? What did you like about it? What was memorable

about the movie? Why would you recommend the flick to your friends?

• Write five sentences that tell why you thought the film was good

• Share your thoughts with a partner

• How are your standards for movies the same as your partner’s? How are they different?

We Are All ThinkersWe Are All Thinkers

• ThinkingThinking

-Function of your mind that makes sense of events of your life, helps you figure out what is going on around you

• ReflectionReflection – Taking time to consider all information:

sights, sounds, and smells that are coming

to you from the world, you are engaging

3 Functions of the brain3 Functions of the brain

Feeling Wanting Thinking

Decision MakingDecision Making

Decision based on reason

Rational life reflecting pattern of thoughtful

decisions

Irrational decisions

Complicate your life/harm others

Good Thinking Barriers to Good Thinking

Steps to Good DecisionsSteps to Good Decisions

• State the situation

• List all possibilities or options

• Think about possible complications

• Sort or judge the alternatives systematically

• Take your time

• Discuss the issue with people you trust

• Conduct research if necessary

• Make a decision and act, then evaluate

Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking• Ananalysis: lysis: process of breaking down an issue to figure out its nature

& how it works• Problem Solving- weigh options & come up with solutions• Critical thinkingCritical thinking : ability to explore an issue, problem, decision, or

option from many angles• SKILLS:

1. Hold back your emotions about the subject

2. Look at the subject from different points of view

3. Break down information

4. Ask probing questions

5. Solve problems systematically

6. Separate facts from opinions

•

Three-part technique Three-part technique for critical readingfor critical reading

Who? When? What?

Why? How?

1. Think about what you read2. Ask questions3. Develop your own understanding of the writer’s words

Chapter 1, Lesson 3

Parts of ThinkingParts of Thinking

PARTS OF THINKING

governed by

CONCEPTS

and

THEORIES

come up with SOLUTIONS

and

OUTCOMES

whenever we think we think for a

PURPOSE

within a

POINT of VIEW

to make INFERENCES and

JUDGMENTS

we use

DATA and FACTS

leading to IMPLICATIONS

and CONSEQUENCES

based on ASSUMPTIONS

Chapter 1, Lesson 3

Standards for Critical Standards for Critical ThinkingThinking

Adapted from Critical Thinking Paul and Edler ©2001 Prentice Hall

Clarity

Is the language used to express the thought clear? Is it focused?

Accuracy

Is the statement true?

Precision

Is the thought specific enough?

Relevance

Does the thought apply well to the issue in

question?

Depth

Does the idea dig into the issue’s complexities or just

glance off the surface?

Breadth

Does the thought consider other points of view?

Logic

Does the thinking follow from solid premises?

Significance

Is the thinking important enough to be included in the deeper discussion?

Fairness

Is the thought balanced and based on truth?

Three Kinds of QuestionsThree Kinds of QuestionsFact

– requires evidence and reasoning within a system

– a correct answer

– leads to development of knowledge

Preference– asks for the listener to state a choice

– an individual, subjective opinion

– cannot judge or prove right or wrong

Judgment– requires evidence and reasoning within multiple systems

– some answers are better than others

– asking for a judgment call

ReviewReview

• Critical thinking is the ability to explore an issue, problem, decision, or option from many angles

• Thinking affects decision-making and problem solving• Problem solving also depends on good thinking, as you weigh

options, look for new possibilities and come up with a solution • Critical reading demands that you think about what you read, ask

questions, and develop your own understanding of the writer’s words

• Parts of thinking: purpose, point of view, assumptions, implications, data and facts, inferences, theories, and solutions

• Standards for thinking: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, fairness

Chapter 1, Lesson 3

ReviewReview

• Asking good questions is important for critical thinking, but avoid dead questions

• Good questions fall into three categories: questions of fact, questions of preference, and questions of judgment

Chapter 1, Lesson 3

NextNext

• Next—the basic checklist for communication• Read pages 42-58

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