Lesson 1 : Definition and Importance of

Critical Thinking

A Constructivist Approach to Critica

Introduction to critical thinking: why a constructivist approach? definition of basic thinking skills critical thinking and its importance how to improve critical thinking

What is a constructivist approach?

What is the importance of Critical

The Powers of Observation

The Unkown Bugs Me

Why The Constructivist Approach?

The ability to recall and explain a concept does not necessarily reflect understanding, nor does it guarantee that students can apply and use the concept in a meaningful way (Julyan & Duckworth, 1996).

The goal of education in this new age

is to prepare students to use their skills to solve real-world problems The common reason cited is that the learning experience provided in school is so different from the experience in the real world that students cannot transfer the skills between the two environments (Brown, Collins, & Duguid, 1989; Duffy & Jonassen, 1992; Hiebert et al., 1996; Schank, 1997; Sternberg, 1985)

The constructivist teacher sees critical thinking as the heart of the teaching and learning process

Teacher searches for experiences that will foster the development of alternative and creative solutions to problems

and the development of clear, reasonable, meaningful, and thoughtful communications.

What is the constructivist approach?

I use a brief Power Point slide presentation in each class period to provide key concepts The slide presentation is posted a few days before the class period on Blackboard
Perkins BIG (beyond information given) approach is used

Cont.
Students must take responsib ility for their own learning by participat ing in class discussio ns
keeping up with reading, following up the guidelines and instructions in assignments At the end of the class, students work in groups to go over questions either from a handout or the textbook the class as a whole goes over the questions which provides another opportunity for students to discuss the concepts as a group and as a class

Then each group reports on what they discussed;

The Basic Concepts of Critical Thinking

The basic concepts of critical thinking are being able to understand or figure out what the problem (or conflict, contradiction) is; to direct thinking to the specific purpose of solving the problem; understanding the frames of reference or the points of view involved; identifying and understanding the underlying assumptions; identifying and understanding the basic concepts and ideas that are being used; citing evidence, data, and reasons and their interpretations; following lines of thought that are advanced; and understanding inferences, implications, and consequences.

Definition of Critical Thinking

Reasoning/logic Judgment Metacognition Reflection Questioning Mental Processes

Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the development of cohesive and logical reasoning patterns. Stahl and Stahl, 1991.

Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is deciding rationally what to or what not to believe."

Norris, Stephen P. "Synthesis of Research on Critical Thinking. Educational Leadership, v 42 n 8 May 1985. 40-45.

Definition of Critical Thinking

"Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned and goal directed - the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions when the thinker is using skills that are thoughtful and effective for the particular context and type of thinking task. Critical thinking also involves evaluating the thinking process - the reasoning that went into the conclusion we've arrived at the kinds of factors considered in making a decision. Critical thinking is sometimes called directed thinking because it focuses on a desired outcome."

Halpern, Diane F. Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. 1996.

Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is careful and deliberate determination of whether to accept, reject, or suspend judgment.

Moore and Parker, 1994.

Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is "a process which stresses an attitude of suspended judgment, incorporates logical inquiry and problem solving, and leads to an evaluative decision or action."

NCTE Committee on Critical Thinking and the Language Arts.

Attributes of Critical Thinkers

Critical thinkers: distinguish between fact and opinion; ask questions; make detailed observations; uncover assumptions and define their terms; and make assertions based on sound logic and solid evidence.

Ellis, D. Becoming a Master Student, 1997.

Critical thinking is a skill

It is transferable

Adult students can learn to think more critically when they are taught critical thinking skills

Importance of Critical thinking

Critical Thinking is Being Smart
Much of our thinking is biased, distorted, uninformed, prejudiced

Our quality of life depends on the quality of our thought

The twin abilities of knowing how to learn and knowing how to think clearly from the voluminous information available at hand are the most important skills of the 21st century

An educated, thinking citizenry is perhaps the only way to ensure world peace and adequate resources_
Paul Richard, Paul Richard, Elder E. 2006. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and

Critical Thinking Standards and Intellectual Traits

Critical thinkers routinely apply the intellectual standards to

in order to develop intellectual traits

The elements of reasoning.

Fairness

Depth

Significance

Logic

Relevance

Accuracy

Clarity

Precision

Completeness

Breadth

Critical Thinking Standards

Logic

Does all this make sense together?

Does your first paragraph fit in with your last?

Does what you say follow from the evidence?

Clarity

Could you elaborate further?

Could you give me an example?

Could you illustrate what you mean?

Accuracy

How could we check on that?

How could we find out if that is true?

How could we verify or test that?

Is this the most important problem to consider?

Which of these facts are most important? Is this the central idea to focus on?

Significant

Significance

Fairness

Do I have any vested interest in this issue? Am I sympathetically representing the viewpoints of others?

Breadth

Do we need to look at this from another perspective? Do we need to consider another point of view? Do we need to look at this in other ways?

Depth
What factors make this a difficult problem? What are some of the complexities of this question? What are some of the difficulties we need to deal with?

Precision

Could you be more specific? Could you give me more details? Could you be more exact?

Relevance
What factors make this a difficult problem? What are some of the complexities of this question? What are some of the difficulties we need to deal with?

End of Lecture