Critical Thinking: Concepts and Skills
Introduction
Critical thinking gives you the skills to effectively find solutions to problems. It includes the ability to think clearly and rationally. It’s a very active process, one in which you question your own ideas and think about whether or not you agree with something you see or hear. You may even question your own assumptions and values. You might decide that something is just as it should be, or you may decide there’s a better way or possibly even more than one solution.
If you imagine critical thinking as a three-legged stool, the three primary legs are: Knowledge, Experience, and Common Sense. It takes all three to become a good critical thinker. You are relatively young right now, and while you have had many experiences and have built up quite a bit of knowledge, it should be comforting to know that you can become a solid critical thinker now!
Watch
- https://bit.ly/3cxReTf Links to an external site. – ProConOrg “Critical Thinking Explained” (YT 2:45)
- https://bit.ly/2Brmer0 Links to an external site. – Sam Agoo “5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking” (TedEd 4:34)
Visit
- goo.gl/h2fQrU Links to an external site. – Problem-Solving Techniques “Developing Critical Thinking Skills”
Key Ideas
- Critical thinking is a logical means to make sense out of your world.
- Thinking critically requires using prior knowledge, experience, & common sense.
- Critical thinking skills can be enhanced and developed.
Apply
- You use critical thinking skills daily. How often do you and your friends say that something just doesn’t make sense, or that you don’t believe it? Understanding the skill of critical thought allows you to see the fallacy in many things. More importantly it will help you to develop claims that you can prove with evidence through thoughtful argument.
- In a small group discuss one thing you have heard or seen on social media that simply doesn’t make sense to you. Share out with your group why this particular information doesn’t make sense.
- “Mother Wit” was a term used in the USA when your grandparents were your age. Research and find out more about “Mother Wit”. Share two examples of how “Mother Wit” is used in action.