What is critical thinking

1. Critical Thinking
Prepared By:
Ameer Salman Hussein
MA Methods of Teaching English

2. What is a Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking can be defined from many points of view:
Robert Ennis defines it as a reasonable, reflective thinking that is
focused on deciding what to believe or do.
Next, Matthew Lipman sees Critical thinking is skillful, responsible
thinking that is conducive to good judgment because it is sensitive to
context, relies on criteria, and is self-correcting.
Also, Richard Paul says Critical thinking is thinking about your
thinking, while you’re thinking, in order to make your thinking better.

3. Critical thinking is an active mode of thinking. Instead of just receiving messages
and accepting them as is, we consider what they are saying. We ask if messages are
well-supported. In other words, we act on the messages before we take action based
on them. When we enact critical thinking on a message, we engage a variety of
skills including: listening, analysis, evaluation, inference and interpretation.
message processin
g
Taking
action

4. The skills that we need in order to be able to think critically are varied and
include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference,
explanation, problem solving, and decision making.
Specifically we need to be able to:
1. Think about a topic or issue in an objective and critical way.
2. Identify the different arguments there are in relation to a particular issue.
3. Evaluate a point of view to determine how strong or valid it is.
4. Recognize any weaknesses or negative points that there are in the evidence
or argument.
5. Notice what implications there might be behind a statement or argument.
6. Provide structured reasoning and support for an argument that we wish to
make.
The skills we need for Critical Thinking

5. Traits of Critical Thinkers
1. Open-mindedness: Critical thinkers are open and receptive to all ideas and arguments, even
those with which they may disagree. Critical thinkers reserve judgment on a message until they
have examined the claims, logic, reasoning, and evidence used.
2. Analytic Nature: Critical thinkers are interested in understanding what is happening in a
message. Critical thinkers ask questions of the message, breaking it into its individual
components and examining each in turn. Critical thinkers dissect these components looking for
sound logic and reasoning.
3. Systematic by Method: Critical thinkers avoid jumping to conclusions. Critical thinkers take
the time to systematically examine a message. Critical thinkers apply accepted criteria or
conditions to their analyses.
4. Curiosity: Critical thinkers are curious by nature. Critical thinkers ask questions of what is
going on around them and in a message. Critical thinkers want to know more and take action to
learn more.

6. Traits of Critical Thinkers
5. Judicious: Critical thinkers are prudent in acting and making judgments.
Critical thinkers are sensible in their actions. That is, they don’t just jump on the
bandwagon of common thought because it looks good or everyone else is doing
it.
6. Truth Seeking: Critical thinkers exercise an ethical foundation based in
searching for the truth. Critical thinkers understand that even the wisest people
may be wrong at times.
7. Confident in Reasoning: Critical thinkers have faith in the power of logic and
sound reasoning. Critical thinkers understand that it is in everyone’s best interest
to encourage and develop sound logic.

7. Two of the biggest barriers to critical thinking:
1. Not keeping in mind that we can be wrong or make
mistakes!
2.Assuming that mistakes and being wrong is simply a
bad thing!

8. Methods to Improve Critical Thinking:
1. Actively listen/look.
2. Ask questions.
3. Follow evidence.
4. Be curious and relate.
5. Be flexible and creative.
6. Assume the positive.
7. Be responsive.
8. See a lesson in everything.
9. Work together.
10. Laugh and enjoy change.

9. The Process of Critical Thinking

10. 1. Inform and describe: It involves clarifying of
• What you need to know.
• What you already know.
• Information you have about the issue.
2. Discover and explorer: It involves:
• Look at your issue more closely.
• Start to be more directed and purposeful in seeking information.
3. Negotiate & Cooperate: It involves:
• Consider different perspectives.
• Engage in discussion.
The Process of Critical Thinking

11. 4. Test & Revise:
• Weigh the evidence.
• Test out different ideas.
5. Integrate & Apply:
• Bring together various ideas.
• Reinforce and articulate new understandings.
The Process of Critical Thinking

12. Developing of Critical Thinking
In order to develop the critical thinking, students need to develop their
skills of thinking in:
1. Interpreting : understanding the importance of data and to clarify its
meaning .
2. Analyzing : breaking information down and recombining it in
different ways .
3. Reasoning : creating an argument through logical steps .
4. Evaluating : judging the worth, credibility or strength of accounts.

13. Thank you for listening