CRITICAL THINKING

BY: SYDNEY MITCHELL

DEFINE CRITICAL THINKING

Critical thinking is a clear, reasoned critique. Critical thinking means making clear, reasoned judgments. During the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned and well thought out/judged. –B.K. Beyer

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS• Critical thinking is a skill that must be developed. We

are not born with critical thinking skills. Therefore, we must learn skills to build them upon each other.

• Practicing critical thinking skills leads to becoming a better critical thinker.

• Some are born with intelligence. They then learn how to apply their intelligence to become a critical thinker.

• Critical thinking not only implies logic, but also certain intellectual aspects such as: clarity, accuracy, relevance, significance, and fairness

CHARACTERISTICS OF A CRITICAL THINKER

• In order to become a critical thinker, we first must be good at the aspect of reasoning. In reasoning, we find reasons that support our beliefs in a situation

• Another important aspect of critical thinking is reflection. Reflection is the overview of your own thoughts and ideas along with others’.

• Lastly, a critical thinker must be realistic. Actions can be better justified if they are made based on beliefs.

WHAT IS SOMEONE WITH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS ABLE TO DO?

• Dissect and understand arguments and theories

• Comprehend the logical connections that form ideas

• Identify inconsistencies in reasoning

• Understand the relevance and significance of ideas

• Reflect on the reasoning of one’s own beliefs, ideas, and values

SIX STEPS OF CRITICAL THINKING

I. Knowledge: The ability to identify the topic

II. Comprehension: Understanding what is read, seen, or heard

III. Application: The process of applying what you comprehend to an actual situation

IV. Analysis: Breaking down and categorizing the components

V. Synthesis: Combining all known information to create a new philosophy

VI. Evaluation: Deciding if the information is useful

SIX CRITICAL QUESTIONS

Who?Who said it? Was it a person you know? Someone famous?

What?What did they say? Were facts presented?

Where?Where did they say it? Was the place private? Public?

When?When did they say it? Was it during an important event?

Why?Why did they say it? Were their thought and opinions explained?

How?How did they say it? What was their emotion when saying it?

BENEFITS OF CRITICAL THINKING

• Work Life Encourages open-mindedness to change

Being more analytical when solving problems

Having a deeper understanding of our own and co-worker’s decisions

• Academic Life Lack of prejudice or bias in examples

Relevant and recent data

Conclusions that are supported by evidence overall

• Daily Life Aids us in making the best personal choices

Helps us to examine social, political, and economic

issues

BARRIERS OF CRITICAL THINKING

Common barriers that may prevent someone from becoming a critical thinker include:

• Prejudice

• Narrow-mindedness

• Stereotyping

• Bias

• Fear of Change

• Wishful Thinking

• Peer Pressure

CONCLUSION1. Define Critical Thinking A clear, reasoned critique. Critical thinking

means making clear, reasoned judgments. During the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned and well thought out/judged.

2. Critical Thinking Skills Implies logic, clarity, relevance, and accuracy

3. Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

Good at the aspect of reasoning, reflection, and must be realistic

4. What is someone with Critical Thinking Skills able to do?

Understands arguments, Identifies inconsistencies, Understands ideas

5. Six Steps of Critical Thinking

Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation

6. Six Critical Questions Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

7. Benefits of Critical Thinking Open-mindedness, Relevant data, Making good personal decisions

8. Barriers of Critical Thinking Bias, Stereotyping, Prejudice, Peer Pressure