Introduction
What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is a process that involves rational thinking. Barry K. Beyer (1995) identifies critical thinking as clear, reasoned judgements.
Etymology:
The word critical derives from the word critic and implies a critique; it means "of judging", "of judgement", and/or "for judging".
Why is critical thinking important?
Critical thinking employs logic. When students are taught critical thinking skills, they will be able to find the necessary information for themselves. They will be able to evaluate pros/cons and use that information to solve problems at hand.
Task
Core Critical Thinking Skills:
1. Observation
2. Interpretation
3. Analysis
4. Inference
5. Evaluation
6. Explanation
7. Metacognition
Critical thinking gives one the ability to:
- Recognize problems
- Find workable means when approached with problems
- Understand the importance of prioritizing
- Gather relevant information
- Recognize unstated assumptions and values
- Use language with accuracy
- Interpret data
- Reconstruct one's patterns of beliefs
Evaluation
Benefits from critical thinking:
1. Autonomous Learning- Students that obtain critical thinking skills because more independent learners. Critical thinking enables students to assess their learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses.
2. Higher Achievement- Learning critical thinking skills can enhance academic performance. Students who know how to analyze ideas are able to make connections acrosse disciplines. Students learning about United States History can learn to analyze present-day concerns.
3. Appropriate Emotional Appeal- Critical thinking helps students maintain their emotions. Students practice letting their feelings influence decisions but not control one's reasoning. Example: during a debate, a student may argue for health care might share a personal story, but also provides solid supporting evidence on their position of the debate.
4. Teamwork and Empathy- Critically thinking helps students understand experiences and views of others. It enhances their ability to work with different people. Group activities allows students to hear their peers' idea instead of focusing on their own thoughts. Critical thinking motivates students to work together to agree on one idea. Students practice compromise, an important life skill, during group activities. Group activities teach students to cooperate rather than make judgements or assumptions.
Credits
References:
What Are the Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills? | The Classroom | Synonym. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2016, from http://classroom.synonym.com/benefits-critical-thinking-skills-3895.html
Benefits Of Critical thinking. (2010). Retrieved June 10, 2016, from http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-critical-thinking/
Morgan, Kori. "What Are the Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills? | The Classroom | Synonym." What Are the Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills? | The Classroom | Synonym. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 9 June 2016.