Critical Thinking Worth Weller A definition Critical thinking

Critical Thinking Worth Weller

A definition… • Critical thinking is about discovering and applying meaning • to what you see, • hear, • and read.

How it’s done… Critical thinking involves, among other things, § actively looking at an issue, § examining what you have already experienced about the issue, § and comparing and contrasting that to what other authentic sources have researched and said about this issue.

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers are flexible – they can tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers identify inherent biases and assumptions

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers maintain an air of skepticism

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers separate facts from opinions

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers don’t oversimplify

Characteristics of critical thinkers… • Critical thinkers examine available evidence before drawing conclusions

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers… • They accept change • They remain open to the need for adjustment and adaptation throughout the inquiry cycle • They are willing to examine even their most deeply held values and beliefs, and to modify these beliefs when evidence and experience contradict them.

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers… • They empathize. • They appreciate and try to understand others' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Characteristics of Critical Thinkers… • They welcome divergent views. • Critical thinkers value examining issues from every angle. • They know that it is especially important to explore and understand positions with which they disagree.