Critical thinking

2.  Way to think, understand
and express yourself
 Identify and analyse
arguments objectively
 Work out if there is any bias
 Decide whether arguments
are supported by reliable
evidence

3.  Apply these skills when reading
and writing
 Critically reflect on your learning
 Improve your marks in
assignments and exams
 Developing your critical thinking
skills is challenging
 It takes time and improves with
practice

4.  Created in 1956 by Benjamin
Bloom, educational psychologist,
University of Chicago
 Six levels of learning
 Each level needs to be completed
before move to the next level
 Ranges from easier tasks such as
recalling knowledge to harder
tasks such as evaluating an
argument

6. Level Explanation Questions
Knowledge Able to remember or recite
information
How would you explain?
When…? Why…? How…?
Comprehension Able to interpret or
understand the meaning of a
subject
What example(s) can you give?
What facts or ideas show?
Application Able to use the information to
solve a problem or apply the
information to a different
situation
How/why is an example of?
What examples can you find?
Which factors would you change?
How would you use?
Analysis Able to separate the
information to understand the
structure
What information are facts and
which are opinions?
What is the important information?
What evidence can you find?
Synthesis Able to combine information
to produce a new idea or view
point
How would you explain or describe
an issue/opinion?
What are the alternatives?
Evaluation Able to assess the value of the
information learned
What changes would you
recommend?
What would be a possible solution?

7.  Pay attention to detail
 Consider different opinions
on a subject
 Keep an open mind
 Identify trends and predict
outcomes
 Consider the implications and
long term consequences
 Support arguments with
evidence from academic
sources

8.  Cottrell, S (2011)
Critical thinking skills.
2nd ed Basingstoke:
Palgrave
 Study Skills for Higher
Education moodle site
 Learning Centre staff
can also help you to
develop your critical
thinking skills