We also developed a series of shorthand labels such as thinking about thinking and quality control of the mind. The shorthand for critical thinking that has become most popular, probably because of an exercise we do, is thinking outside of the box.
Critical Thinking - Queen Margaret University
Due to space limitations, we have made no attempt to be exhaustive with respect to any stage, nor to answer the many questions that might be raised concerning the development, reliability or validity of the stages. The basic intention is to provide a practical organizer for teachers interested in using a conceptual map to guide student thinking through developmental stages in the process of becoming critical thinkers. Once the stages are explained, and stage-specific recommendations are given, we close with some global implications for instruction.
Strategies for critical thinking in learning, Part I
Some Implications for Instruction : We must recognize that in the present mode of instruction it is perfectly possible for students to graduate from high school, or even college, and still be largely unreflective thinkers. Though all students think, most students are largely unaware of how their thinking is structured or how to assess or improve it. Thus when they experience problems in thinking, they lack the skills to identify and "fix" these problems. Most teachers do not seem to be aware of how unaware most students are of their thinking. Little is being done at present to help students "discover" their thinking. This emphasis needs shifting.
Critical Thinking
LOGIC: Does this really make sense? Does that follow from what you said? How does that follow? But before you implied this and now you are saying that how can both be true?
Skill in Thinking : Most challenged thinkers have very limited skills in thinking. However like unreflective thinkers, they may have developed a variety of skills in thinking without being aware of them, and these skills may (ironically) serve as barriers to development. At this stage thinkers with some implicit critical thinking abilities may more easily deceive themselves into believing that their thinking is better than it actually is, making it more difficult to recognize the problems inherent in poor thinking. To accept the challenge at this level requires that thinkers gain insight into the fact that whatever intellectual skills they have are inconsistently applied across the domains of their lives.
Introduction. Does the writer identify and limit the thesis in the beginning of the paper? Does it plainly indicate the method of approach the writer will take, or does the writer simply jump into the topic without properly preparing the reader? If a memo, does the writer provide a succinct summary in one or two sentences?
EFFECTIVENESS: Does this piece of writing transmit a clear message in a single, rapid reading, and is it generally free of errors?
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Voice Quality. Was the rate of speech too fast or too slow? Was the tone and pitch natural and varied, or monotonous, too loud or too soft?
Introduction. Did the speaker use professional courtesy in addressing the person(s) being briefed? Did the speaker identify himself/herself? Was the significance of the subject established, and the direction and purpose identified?
"Stages of critical thinking skills" in pictures. More images "Stages of critical thinking skills".
