Learning to Think Critically pages Objectives Define thinking & reflection Identify 3 functions of the brain Describe how thinking impacts decision making Describe how thinking impacts problem solving Identify steps to good decision making Identify 2 of the 6 skills to implement for critical thinking List the 3 part technique to critical reading Provide an example of a part and standard for critical thinking Provide examples of the 3 kinds of questioning

Chapter 1, Lesson 3 Quick Write What was the last great movie you saw? What did you like about it? What was memorable about the movie? Why would you recommend the flick to your friends? Write five sentences that tell why you thought the film was good Share your thoughts with a partner How are your standards for movies the same as your partner’s? How are they different?

We Are All Thinkers ThinkingThinking - Function of your mind that makes sense of events of your life, helps you figure out what is going on around you ReflectionReflection –Taking time to consider all information: sights, sounds, and smells that are coming to you from the world, you are engaging

3 Functions of the brain FeelingWantingThinking

Decision Making Decision based on reason Rational life reflecting pattern of thoughtful decisions Irrational decisions Complicate your life/harm others Good ThinkingBarriers to Good Thinking

Steps to Good Decisions State the situation List all possibilities or options Think about possible complications Sort or judge the alternatives systematically Take your time Discuss the issue with people you trust Conduct research if necessary Make a decision and act, then evaluate

Critical Thinking nalysis:Analysis: process of breaking down an issue to figure out its nature & how it works Problem Solving- weigh options & come up with solutions Critical thinkingCritical thinking : ability to explore an issue, problem, decision, or option from many angles SKILLS: 1.Hold back your emotions about the subject 2.Look at the subject from different points of view 3.Break down information 4.Ask probing questions 5.Solve problems systematically 6.Separate facts from opinions

Three-part technique for critical reading Who?When? What? Why? How? 1.Think about what you read 2.Ask questions 3.Develop your own understanding of the writer’s words

Chapter 1, Lesson 3 Parts of Thinking PARTS OF THINKING governed by CONCEPTS and THEORIES come up with SOLUTIONS and OUTCOMES whenever we think we think for a PURPOSE within a POINT of VIEW to make INFERENCES and JUDGMENTS we use DATA and FACTS leading to IMPLICATIONS and CONSEQUENCES based on ASSUMPTIONS

Chapter 1, Lesson 3 Standards for Critical Thinking Standards for Critical Thinking Adapted from Critical Thinking Paul and Edler ©2001 Prentice Hall Clarity Is the language used to express the thought clear? Is it focused? Accuracy Is the statement true? Precision Is the thought specific enough? Relevance Does the thought apply well to the issue in question? Depth Does the idea dig into the issue’s complexities or just glance off the surface? Breadth Does the thought consider other points of view? Logic Does the thinking follow from solid premises? Significance Is the thinking important enough to be included in the deeper discussion? Fairness Is the thought balanced and based on truth?

Three Kinds of Questions Fact –requires evidence and reasoning within a system –a correct answer –leads to development of knowledge Preference –asks for the listener to state a choice –an individual, subjective opinion –cannot judge or prove right or wrong Judgment –requires evidence and reasoning within multiple systems –some answers are better than others –asking for a judgment call

Review Critical thinking is the ability to explore an issue, problem, decision, or option from many angles Thinking affects decision-making and problem solving Problem solving also depends on good thinking, as you weigh options, look for new possibilities and come up with a solution Critical reading demands that you think about what you read, ask questions, and develop your own understanding of the writer’s words Parts of thinking: purpose, point of view, assumptions, implications, data and facts, inferences, theories, and solutions Standards for thinking: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, fairness

Chapter 1, Lesson 3 Review Asking good questions is important for critical thinking, but avoid dead questions Good questions fall into three categories: questions of fact, questions of preference, and questions of judgment

Chapter 1, Lesson 3 Next Next—the basic checklist for communication Read pages Graphic courtesy of Clipart.com