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Introduction With the development of human society, we have stepped in to the information age, leading the cost of decision-making significant increased. This special age has focused attention on good thinking as an important element of life success (Huitt, 1995; Thomas & Smoot, 1994). This report will provide an overall description of what critical thinking is, and explain what it means for students to do critical thinking. Overall description of critical thinking The definition of critical thinking has changed somehow over the past few decades. Critical thinking first used by Plato and Aristotle in about 350 BC, the writings of Socrates, encouraged their followers to explore theories and concepts, because they believe that the final result of analysis of facts and conditions, were usually not what they appeared on the surface(Sam & Frederick,2006). Chance described critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts, generate and organize ideas, defend opinions, make comparisons, draw inferences, evaluate arguments and solve problems in 1986. Then in 1995, it has been defined as a skillful, responsible thinking that facilitates good judgment because it is sensitive to context, and is self-correcting (Lipman, 1995, p. 146). Moreover, numbers of separate groups have made significant contributions to the definition of critical thinking based on their perspectives. Philosophy reminded that critical thinking is a process of thinking to a standard, psychology established the operational definitions that associated with critical thinking, and Content specialists demonstrated how critical thinking can be adopted in different content areas (Huitt,1998). What it means for student to be able “critical thinking” According to Ferrett’s su... ... middle of paper ... ... State University. Retrieved May 1998, from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/context/infoage.html Huitt, W. (1998). Critical thinking: An overview. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cognition/critthnk.html Lipman, M. (1995). Critical thinking - what can it be? In A. Ornstein & L. Behar (Eds.) Contemporary issues in curriculum,pp. 145-152. Otley, D., (1980) The contingency theory of management accounting: achievements and prognosis, Accounting, Organizations and Society, Vol 5, No. 4, 413-428 Sam, N., & Frederick, R. (2006) “Critical thinking in organizations”, Team Performance Management, Vol. 12 Iss: 7/8, pp.272 – 277. Thomas, G., & Smoot, G. (1994, February/March). Critical thinking: A vital work skill. Trust for Educational Leadership, 23, pp34-38.
In order to develop critical thinking, it is important for individuals to be clear as to the purpose of the task or topic at hand, and the main question that is at issue in regard to it. To accomplish this goal, it is essential to: strive to be clear, accurate, precise and relevant, practice thinking beneath the surface, be logical and fair-minded, apply critical thinking skills to all reading, writing, speaking and listening activities, and apply these skills to all aspects of work as well as life in general.
Vaughn, L. (2013). The power of critical thinking. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University
Paul, R. and Elder, L., (2008). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking-Concepts and Tools, 5th. Ed., Foundation for Critical Thinking Press: Dillon Beach, CA
It is a source of education and a powerful resource in the life of every individual and in social life. Despite the fact that the identification and analysis of critical thinking skills are beyond the boundaries of a single discipline or subject, the learning and application of these skills require possession of certain knowledge. The value of critical thinking is lost if it is treated as a list of logical operations, and the possession of certain knowledge is regarded simply as a collection of information. The investigation of the relationship of a value judgment and the actual use may lead to a new assessment of the need for common concepts of critical thinking and the possession of certain knowledge in education (Paul,
Critical thinking has been defined in great depth over thousands of years yet comparison of many of these definitions show the emphasis alters between what characteristic is deemed most important for each individual. However the definition alters, the same three important principles are always included: scepticism, open-mindedness and objectivity. It is important for each individual to conclude his or her own definition of critical thinking to enable a specific authenticity that equates to an individuals academic work. This essay will show that while the true meaning of critical thinking doesn’t change, adapting a personal definition is vital for success in higher education and life skills.
Brown, M. &. (2000). Critical thinking: Asking the right questions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Peason Custom Publishing.
Paul R. (1995). Critical thinking: How to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Santa Rosa, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.
The aim of this book is to demonstrate the importance of critical thinking and demonstrate how critical these skills are for students to master. Just like how we learned other skills and mastered them, we also need to learn to think critically. For example, we can master let’s say a problem until we memorize a problem, however if we master critical thinking then we have tools to analyze and provide solutions to other problems. As the authors Elder and Paul (2007) states that not many students have been thought to analyze (p.41).
With the understanding of these dynamics and the knowledge of the concept of critical thinking, which involves the awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, ability to ask and answer critical questions, and the desire to actively use the critical questions. (1990, Browne M., Kaplan R., Critical Thinking)
What is not easily recognized is the fact that the very fabric of life is dependent on the ability to think properly and make good decisions. Improper thinking is costly in the quality of life and monetarily. The result of a critical thinker that has worked to cultivate proper thinking skills includes: the ability to ask vital questions and to identify problems with clarity. A critical thinker also collects relevant information while effectively interpreting it, thinks with an open mind, uses alternative systems of thought, and understands how to communicate while working to formulate a strong solution. In summary, critical thinking is self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. Above all else, the standards of excellence are rigorous, and it entails the prospect of overcoming the challenge of sociocentrism and
Critical thinking is a significant and essential topic in recent education. The strategy of critical thinking skills helps identify areas in one's courses as the suitable place to highlight, expand and use some problems in exams that test students' critical thinking skills.
Rudd, R. (2007). Defining critical thinking. Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers, 82(7) 46-49. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from EBSCOhost database.
What is critical thinking? Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines critical thinking as a type of critical analysis. Encarta Pocket Dictionary defines a decision as firmness in choosing something. The authors of Whatever It Takes suggest that decision-making material and literature tend to emphasize the product of decision-making but does not emphasize the actual process of decision-making. Critical thinking is the mechanical process by which problems are perceived, alternative solutions weighed, and rational decisions are made and decision-making is streams of choices (McCall, Kaplan, xv).
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and
Critical thinking regularly involves the capability to interpret information and make knowledgeable decisions based on such information. Additionally, problem solving is frequently theorised as the use of critical thinking skills towards the effective solution of a specific problem or towards a specific end goal. Critical thinking is the disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstances. The general goal of thinking is to figure out some situation” (Critical Thinking, 2001, p.1), solve some problem, answer some questions, or resolve some issue. It also is a process in which a person pursuits reliable and pertinent information about the world. Critical thinking is often described as reasonable, ruminative, trustworthy, and a well-practiced form of thinking that assists people with deciding what they should believe in and what actions should be taken. A practiced critical thinker will ask good questions, collects pertinent data, categorizes common characteristics, logically reasons with the new data and then he or she will come to a trustworthy and dependable conclusion. Critical thinking makes use of many processes and procedures. Some processes include but is not limited to asking questions, making judgments, and identifying