This document discusses critical thinking and provides guidance for students. It contains: 1) A list of attributes of critical thinkers such as being open-minded, well-informed, and able to judge the quality of arguments. 2) A discussion prompt about why our brains only use confirming evidence and an example of when we've done this. 3) Instructions for students to work in pairs, choose two attributes of critical thinkers, explain their understanding, and give an example of practicing the skill. 4) A direction to identify three attributes to focus on developing and to later reflect on progress.

1. Year 8 Island Time
Truth and Lies

2. Critical thinking
Watch the following you tube clip on critical thinking
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSZ3BUru59A
Discussion
In small groups discuss your thoughts on the following questions:
Why do you think our brain only uses evidence which already supports our beliefs?
Can you think of an example of a time when you have done this?
It is important that we are aware of this? Give reasons to support your point of
view.

3. Critical thinkers…
 Are open-minded and mindful of alternatives
 Try to be well-informed
 Judge the credibility of sources
 Identify conclusions, reasons, and assumptions
 Judge the quality of an argument, including the acceptability of its reasons,
assumptions, and evidence
 Can develop and defend a reasonable position
 Asks appropriate clarifying questions
 Draws conclusions when warranted, but with caution

4. Critical thinkers …
Care that their beliefs be true, and that their decisions be justified; that is,
care to "get it right" to the extent possible.. What do you think this means?
Critical thinkers also:
 Seek alternative hypotheses, explanations, conclusions, plans, and sources.
 Endorse a position to the extent that, but only to the extent that, it is justified by
the information that is available
 Be well informed
 Consider seriously other points of view than their own

5. Critical thinking and truth and lies
Think-Pair- Share
Choose 2 attributes of critical thinkers and explain what your understanding of
each means with the person sitting next to you. Try to give an example of a time
when you have practised this skill in your learning at Island School.
Self Reflection
Identify 3 attributes from the list which you would like to focus on over the next 6
weeks. Write these down in your Island Time journals.
During the final week we will revisit these skills and you will be asked to reflect,
and provide evidence, of how you have developed these throughout the course.