Chapter 1 Dev Ed Writing 990

“[n] obody is capable of free speech unless he [or she] knows how to use language, and such knowledge is not a gift: It has to be learned and worked at.” Northryp Frye (p 26)

Learning Outcomes By the end of this presentation, the student will: Better understand what critical thinking is Better understand what critical thinking is Know why critical thinking is important Know why critical thinking is important Accept the challenge to think critically in every class Accept the challenge to think critically in every class

“Disciplined,self-directed thinking... ”* T H I N K I N G The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 1987.

T H I N K I N G “ The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. ” * * The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 1987.

T H I N K I N G It concerns itself with 8 elements of thought Point of view Purpose Questions at issue Implications and consequences Information Interpretation and Inference Concepts Assumptions * The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts and Tools, 5 ed. The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2008.

What does critical thinking involve? Making logical inferences Making logical inferences (based upon the information presented) Drawing logical conclusions Drawing logical conclusions ( based upon the information presented) Higher levels of thinking, such as... Higher levels of thinking, such as...

Conceptualizing— developing a “mind picture” Applying— putting conceptual info to use Analyzing— closely examining, tearing apart or breaking down to really look at Synthesizing— pulling things together in a well-organized logical way Evaluating— making decisions about; reviewing; assessing; rtc.

Characteristics of “ cultivated ” critical thinkers Cultivated critical thinkers... Goal: to become cultivated critical thinkers

A well cultivated critical thinker... Raise vital questions Formulate questions and problems clearly, precisely By : --raising vital questions --formulating questions clearly and precisely

Gather information Analyze and assess it Evaluate it By: --gathering information, then --assessing it and determining what it means and what it is worth

Draw conclusions Find solutions Use relevant criteria to test them By: --drawing conclusions from the information presented --finding possible, plausible solutions and testing them with relevant criteria

Keep an open mind By --maintaining an open mind

Network w/others; keep lines of communication open By networking with others and maintaining open lines of communication with them and others.

Dare to think outside the box! To become a cultivated critical thinker: Develop a sense of observation and curiosity Develop a sense of observation and curiosity Become interested in finding new solutions Become interested in finding new solutions Share ideas Share ideas Ask pertinent questions Ask pertinent questions Assess statements and arguments Assess statements and arguments Seek understanding and information Seek understanding and information

Also... Examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions; wei gh them against truth Listen to others, think about what they say, give feedback Become an open-minded listener and reader

Who are the critical thinkers? Parents Nurses Athletic coaches Doctors Air traffic controllers Military commanders Lawyers, Judges Supervisors Accountants Day Care Providers

Who SHOULD think critically?

Critical Thinking Through Viewing What is the purpose of the image? What is the purpose of the image? What is the plan of the image? What is the plan of the image? Interpret the image Interpret the image Evaluate the image Evaluate the image Let’s practice! Let’s practice!

Critical Thinking Through Writing Same, same, same Practicing Modes of Thinking in Your Writing pg 21 Group discussion Global Market

Critical Thinking Through Writing Deductive video Deductive video Deductive video Deductive video Inductive video Inductive video Inductive video Inductive video Which is which? Which is which? Let’s practice.

“[n] obody is capable of free speech unless he [or she] knows how to use language, and such knowledge is not a gift: It has to be learned and worked at.” Northryp Frye (p 26)

List of Challenges Discuss and write in the air Discuss and write in the air