Lesson 7 What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is thinking things through.
“Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do”
Robert Ennis (http://www.criticalthinking.net/)
REASONABLE - Using reason and looking at logic (not just the usual definition of being fair, practical and sensible)
REFLECTIVE Thinking why do I have these ideas, why do I believe this, what basis have I decided to do this
Critical thinking is NOT:
Negative - A critical person is usually fault finding and to criticise usually means make a negative statement. Often, if we call someone a critic of something, we that person is against it. While critical thinking, we may make claims that are "negative" however critical means using criteria. The criteria for critical thinking is thinking that meets high standards of reasonablity (the use of reason).
Judgemental - When we are judgmental we may be harsh or over generalised, however critical thinking involves making judgments about what to believe or do but using deep and broad reasoning.
Emotionless – Emotions give us data. They can cloud judgement but also can illuminate. Critical thinking can also be used to analyse situtions which involve emotions.
Just problem solving – It is used to look at information and decide whether there is a problem that the thinker should be solving i.e. Are there any questions not answered by this information or reasoning? It can also add another dimension to your own problem solving by helping you check out your conclusions for "reasonableness".
“Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking, while you’re thinking, in order to make your thinking better.”
Richard Paul (www.criticalthinking.org)
Richard Paul developed the elements of reasoning circle to help us think about our thinking when learning critical thinking. Improving our thinking, and improving the way we think about our thinking is going to improve our understanding of a subject, the way we answer questions and ultimately our grades and marks.
Coming soon - some of the definitions developed in the classroom
“Critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do”
Robert Ennis (http://www.criticalthinking.net/)
REASONABLE - Using reason and looking at logic (not just the usual definition of being fair, practical and sensible)
REFLECTIVE Thinking why do I have these ideas, why do I believe this, what basis have I decided to do this
Critical thinking is NOT:
Negative - A critical person is usually fault finding and to criticise usually means make a negative statement. Often, if we call someone a critic of something, we that person is against it. While critical thinking, we may make claims that are "negative" however critical means using criteria. The criteria for critical thinking is thinking that meets high standards of reasonablity (the use of reason).
Judgemental - When we are judgmental we may be harsh or over generalised, however critical thinking involves making judgments about what to believe or do but using deep and broad reasoning.
Emotionless – Emotions give us data. They can cloud judgement but also can illuminate. Critical thinking can also be used to analyse situtions which involve emotions.
Just problem solving – It is used to look at information and decide whether there is a problem that the thinker should be solving i.e. Are there any questions not answered by this information or reasoning? It can also add another dimension to your own problem solving by helping you check out your conclusions for "reasonableness".
“Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking, while you’re thinking, in order to make your thinking better.”
Richard Paul (www.criticalthinking.org)
Richard Paul developed the elements of reasoning circle to help us think about our thinking when learning critical thinking. Improving our thinking, and improving the way we think about our thinking is going to improve our understanding of a subject, the way we answer questions and ultimately our grades and marks.
Coming soon - some of the definitions developed in the classroom
posted by Miz John at 10:55 PM
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