Critical Thinking Study Skills Academy 2016/17

What is Critical Thinking Not accepting things ‘at face value’ Looking for evidence and valid reasons Supports you to develop an argument through exploring alternatives. Study Skills Academy 2016/17

Why is critical thinking important? In reading academic texts you need to develop a personal (but nevertheless academic and rational) response to the article/ theory/ chapter through: developing an understanding of the content and understanding both arguments To give you the ability to write without bias Helps identify and solve problems in academic work Improves grades in degree work Good life skill to acquire In reading academic texts you need to develop a personal (but nevertheless academic and rational) response to the article/ theory/ chapter through: developing an understanding of the content evaluating and critiquing the article. Study Skills Academy 2016/17

Analysis Description Evaluation Where Who? Analysis Description Why When? How? Topic/Issue What? What if? What next? So what? Evaluation Study Skills Academy 2016/17

Study Skills Academy 2016

Critical Thinking vs. Non-Critical Thinking Study Skills Academy 2016/17

How do I apply this skill? Look at the information/material Develop arguments through common question words: What, Who, Where, When , How and Why… be unbiased in your research Then ask – What if, what next and so what? Link back to Flat example. Demonstrate the Critical thinking models - handout Critical thinking is a skill that can be learned, improved upon and requires discipline. To help you require the discipline – here are some Critical Thinking Models. Study Skills Academy 2016/17

projects and examinations. Summary Critical Thinking is a useful life skill, that can be developed over time. Understanding and applying a Critical Thinking Model can help improve your academic grades. Critical Thinking used effectively will ensure you answer the question being asked correctly. Be proactive in seeking advice to ensure that your method of critical thinking matches the subject area. Acquiring critical thinking skills supports you to develop more reasoned arguments and draw conclusions to be used in your assignments, projects and examinations. Acquiring critical thinking skills helps you to develop more reasoned arguments and draw conclusions to be used in your assignments, projects and examinations. Critical Thinking helps to ensure that you make the correct judgements backed up with the understanding of the evidence and should ensure that you don’t jump to the wrong conclusions!!!! Study Skills Academy 2016/17