Critical Thinking

• Critical Thinking


  A necessary life skill to preparing learners in tomorrow's world.
• The concept of thinking


  A fundamental aspect of human cognition.
• Thinking


  Broadly defined as the mental process of forming and manipulating ideas, concepts, and representations in the mind.
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Thinking (APA, 2020)


  Involves various cognitive processes, including attention, perception, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, and metacognition. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses both conscious and unconscious mental activities.
• One of the key aspects of thinking

  The ability to process and manipulate information through various cognitive operations, such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creation.
• These operations (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creation)

  Allow individuals to comprehend, interpret, and generate new knowledge or solutions to problems.
• Metacognition (another essential component of thinking)

  The ability to monitor and regulate one's own cognitive processes.
• Metacognitive skills enable individuals to plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking processes, as well as adapt their strategies and approaches as needed.
• Critical Thinking


  A crucial skill that involves the ability to analyze, evaluate, and make judgments or decisions based on evidence and reasoning.
• Critical Thinking


  A self-directed, self-disciplined, and self-corrective process of thinking that involves various cognitive skills and dispositions.
• Critical thinking encompasses several essential skills, such as interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation.
• Interpretation


  Involves comprehending and expressing the meaning or significance of a wide variety of experiences, situations, data, events, judgments, conventions, beliefs, rules, procedures, or criteria.
• Analysis


  Involves identifying the intended and actual inferential relationships among statements, questions, concepts, descriptions, or other forms of representation intended to convey beliefs, judgments, experiences, reasons, information, or opinions.
• Evaluation

  Involves assessing the credibility of statements or other representations that are accounts or descriptions of a person's perception, experience, situation, judgment, belief, or opinion, and assessing the logical strength of the actual or intended inferential relationships among statements, descriptions, questions, or other forms of representation.
• Inference


  Involves identifying and securing elements needed to draw reasonable conclusions and form hypotheses, considering relevant information, and deducing the consequences flowing from data, statements, principles, evidence, judgments, beliefs, opinions, concepts, descriptions, questions, or other forms of representation.
• Explanation


  Involves stating and justifying the results of one's reasoning and the consideration of evidence, concepts, methodologies, criteria, or contexts upon which the results were based
• Critical thinking involves certain dispositions or attitudes, such as open-mindedness, fair-mindedness, inquisitiveness, flexibility, and a desire for truth.
• Critical thinking is essential in various domains, including academic, professional, and personal contexts.
• Characteristics of a Critical Thinker

  1.    Raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.

  2.    Gather and assess relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively, comes, to a well reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards.

  3.    Thinks open-mindedly with alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing assumptions, implications, and practical consequences.

  Communicates effectively with others in figuring solutions to complex problems.
• Tools for Critical Thinking

  Asking questions is a fundamental tool for critical thinking, as it prompts exploration, inquiry, and deeper understanding. The 5W1H technique (What, When, Where, Who, Why, and How) is a widely used method for formulating comprehensive questions that uncover essential information and perspectives.
• When analyzing a news article

  "What is the main issue?" - helps identify the central topic

  "Who is involved?" & "Where did it happen" - provide context

  "Why is this important" - encourages consideration of the significance and implications

  "How was it reported" - can reveal potential biases or gaps in information
• Tools for Critical Thinking

  Gathering and Evaluating Information - Critical thinkers are skilled at gathering relevant information from diverse sources and evaluating its credibility, reliability, and relevance. This involves assessing the authority, objectivity, and timeliness of the sources, as well as considering potential biases or conflicts of interest.
• Tools for Critical Thinking

  Identifying Assumptions and Biases - Assumptions and biases can significantly influence our thinking and decision-making processes. Critical thinkers actively identify and question underlying assumptions, as well as recognize and mitigate cognitive biases that can distort our judgments.
• Tools for Critical Thinking


  Analyzing Arguments and Evidence - Effective critical thinking involves analyzing arguments and evaluating the quality and strength of the evidence presented. This includes identifying the main claims, distinguishing between facts and opinions, assessing the logical reasoning and coherence of the argument, and considering counterarguments or alternative explanations.
• Relevance of Critical Thinking

  1. Academics
  2. Personal Life
  3. Future Careers
• Critical thinking


  Actively analyzing and evaluating concepts, theories, and arguments
• Relevance of critical thinking in academia

  • Enhances the learning experience and academic achievement
  • Goes beyond memorizing facts and information
  • Develops a deeper understanding of the subject matter
  • Applies knowledge in practical contexts
  • Fosters a spirit of curiosity and inquiry
  • Encourages exploring different perspectives and engaging in intellectual discussions
• Critical thinking is essential in academia
• Critical thinking


  Enables individuals to navigate daily challenges, make informed decisions, and lead fulfilling lives
• Critical thinking in personal relationships

  • Helps individuals evaluate situations objectively
  • Understand diverse viewpoints
  • Engage in effective communication
• Critical thinking in personal life

  • Allows individuals to question assumptions
  • Challenge biases
  • Make well-reasoned choices based on personal values and goals
• Benefits of applying critical thinking in personal life

  • Fosters self-awareness
  • Empathy
  • Open-mindedness
  • Improved relationships
  • Personal growth
  • Overall well-being
• Relevance of Critical Thinking

  • In an ever-evolving professional landscape, critical thinking has become an indispensable skill sought by employers across various industries
  • The ability to think critically is highly valued in careers that require problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation
  • Critical thinkers are adept at analyzing complex issues, identifying patterns, and generating creative solutions
  • They are also skilled at evaluating risks, weighing pros and cons, and making informed judgments
  • Critical thinking enhances effective communication, enabling professionals to articulate their ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and persuade others with well-supported arguments
  • By developing strong critical thinking skills, individuals are better equipped to adapt to change, think strategically, and succeed in their future careers
• Benefits of Critical Thinking

  1. Enhanced Understanding
  2. Improved Problem-Solving
  3. Informed Decision Making
  4. Effective Communication
• Barriers that Hinders Critical Thinking

  1. Biases and Preconceived Notions
  2. Emotional Influence
  3. Social Pressure
  4. Limited Exposure to Diverse Perspectives
• Overcoming Barriers

  1. Recognize and Challenge Bias
  2. Embrace Open-Mindedness
  3. Practice Self-Reflection
  4. Seek Reliable Sources
  5. Engage in Active Learning
• Engaging in Critical Thinking

  1. Debates and Discussion
  2. Problem-Solving Exercises
  3. Analyzing Real-life Scenarios
  4. Reflective Writing and Journaling
  5. Role-Playing and Simulations