1. Critical Thinking
Beau Seagraves, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Care & Outreach
Carrie

2. Outcomes Participants will discuss…
developing critical thinking skills.
developing confidence to make decisions.
moving away from dualistic decision making.
questions to ask oneself when making decisions.
stepping outside of oneself to see the big picture when making decisions.
They will ask who to make their ROIs out to

3. Agenda What is Critical Thinking? Myths of Critical Thinking
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Results of Critical Thinking
Application: Scenarios
Carrie

4. Critical Thinking Defined
Pair & Share: Write down your own definition on notecard & share
“Disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence” (
“The ability to think critically…involves three things: ( 1 ) an attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences, (2) knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning, and (3) some skill in applying those methods.” (Edward M. Glaser, An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, 1941)
“Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them.” ( Taken from Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008)
Beau

5. Characteristics of Critical Thinking
Rational
Considers multiple perspectives
Synthesized information
Evidence-based
Outcomes-oriented
Beau

6. Myths of Critical Thinking
Myth #1: Protocols & procedures stifle critical thinking.
Reframe: We all interpret and implement protocols and procedures differently.
Seek context and understand expectations
How we “show up” is often not part of the protocols or procedures
Beau

7. Myths of Critical Thinking
Myth #2: There is one right way to understand or manage a situation.
Reframe: We make the best decisions we can with the information with have.
Be prepared to defend your decision/course of action
Be prepared to modify decision/course of action in the future as necessary
Beau

8. Critical Thinking Skills
Information Gathering
What information do I need?
What is actually happening?
Who are the players?
What is the potential impact of situation and my decision?
What are the policies/protocols?
How will I gather information?
Observation
Asking Questions
Previous experience
Information Sharing
What info do I need to share to demonstrate I have thought through the situation? How do I share it?
Beau

9. Critical Thinking Skills
Tara DeLecce (Psychology;
Curiosity
Skepticism
Humility
Grant Tilus (Rasmussen College)
Interpretation
Analysis
Inference
Evaluation
Explanation
Self-Regulation
Beau

10. Results of Critical Thinking
Personal/Professional Satisfaction
Demonstrated Sense of Urgency
Increased Confidence
Empowering for ourselves and others around us
Beau

11. Scenarios
Beau/Carrie

12. REACTIONS???
Beau/Carrie