In this Module PowerPoint you will look at a few slides detailing how to use the Nosich Elements wheel.

2. The Elements of Critical
Thinking
TASK 1: ESTABLISH A SHARED VOCABULARY

3. 3 Key Questions
Why do we need critical thinking?
What is critical thinking?
What do we do to think critically?

4. The Three Dimensions
of Critical Thinking
Analysis
of thinking
by focusing on
the parts
Evaluation
of thinking
by focusing on
the standards
Improvement
of thinking
by using what
you learned
Critical
Thinking

5. Why does identifying elements help you think
mindfully?
 Makes you really LOOK—fights habitual and enculturated patterns, autopilot
thinking
 Allows you to identify barriers, filters, impediments, biases, predispositions—
yours AND others’
 Gives you more tools to analyze an issue
 Helps you demonstrate fair-mindedness

6. Reasoning
The process of
drawing conclusions or
figuring something out
Elements of Reasoning
Traits of
the
Disciplined
Mind
Standards
for
Reasoning
Reasoning: three aspects

7. StandardsElementsTraits

8. Whenever we think
We think
for a
purpose
within a
point of view
based on
assumptions
leading to
implications
and conse -
quences.
We use
data, facts,
and
experiences
to make
inferences and
judgments
based on
concepts and
theories
in attempting
to answer a
question.

9. Eight Questions Students Can
Routinely Ask When They Understand
the Elements of Reasoning
1. What is the main purpose of the reasoning?
2. What are the key issues, problems, and questions being
addressed?
3. What is the most important information being used?
4. What main inferences are embedded in the reasoning?
5. What are the key concepts guiding the reasoning?
6. What assumptions are being used?
7. What are the positive and negative implications?
8. What point of view is/should be represented?

10. We must routinely take our thinking apart
We must
routinely
Take our
thinking
apart

11. Nosich focuses not on the writing that comes
out but on the thinking that leads to it
 Purpose: p. 52
 Question at Issue (q at i): p. 53
 Assumptions: p. 54
 Implications, Consequences, Outcomes: p. 55
 Information: p. 57
 Concepts: p. 58
 Conclusions, Interpretations, Decisions: p. 60
 Point of View (p.o.v.): p. 61
 Alternatives: p. 64
 Context: p. 66