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Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking

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Presentation on theme: "Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking"— Presentation transcript:

1 Introduction to Critical and Creative Thinking

2 Critical and Creative Thinking
What is it? How do I accomplish it?

3 What is Critical Thinking?
CRITICAL THINKING is the active and systematic process of Communication Problem-solving Evaluation Analysis Synthesis Reflection both individually and in community to Foster understanding Support sound decision-making and Guide action

4 Why is critical thinking important to students?
Critical thinking is critical to employers Can you analyze situations? Can you solve problems? Can you communicate your position logically? Can you make good decisions (based on data and logic, not emotions or feelings)?

5 Why is critical thinking important to society?
Failures in critical thinking are disastrous Space Shuttles Challenger & Columbia disasters 9/11 Terrorist Attacks—NY World Trade Center & Pentagon Iraqi WMD National Intelligence Estimate—led to Iraq War Poor levee construction in New Orleans BP deepwater drilling safety procedures

6 Why is critical thinking important to student learning?
College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Science – analyzing results of experiments in light of existing theories Math – selecting appropriate problem-solving strategies Humanities – putting literature and art into historical context Health fields – evaluating patients and making decisions in clinical settings Communications – debate; persuasive writing Criminal justice/fire science – reacting correctly to simulations Political science/sociology – analyzing others’ points of view

7 Common Human Analytic Traits
Start with conclusions (convergent thinking) Favor own intuitive solutions Take mental shortcuts (satisfice--take 1st acceptable solution) Confuse discussion with analysis Rely too much on biases and bad assumptions Support solutions and evidence that reinforce our beliefs—and reject other solutions and evidence Make decisions based on emotions and not reasoning Most humans are functionally illiterate when it comes to complex analysis!

8 Non-Critical Thinking Characteristics
Fun Exciting Feels good Attention-getting Popular Patriotic Free Chic Spontaneous Advantageous Easy Beneficial to me Deeply moving/felt Overcoming these poor thinking characteristics is a significant challenge!

9 Thinking is NOT Created Equally
Poor Thinking Aimless Emotionally Driven Dogmatic Undisciplined Majority of people Where we want you Quality Thinking Accomplishes a Goal Seeks Truth Judicious (Critical) Generative (Creative)

10 Fundamental & Powerful Concept: Critical Thinking
State (define): Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking, while you’re thinking, in order to achieve better thinking (Paul & Elder, 2006). Elaborate: Critical thinking is reflective, involves standards, is authentic and involves being reasonable (Nosich, 2012, pp. 3-4). Exemplify: When a medical doctor examines a patient and conducts medical tests, the process is active and systematic and results in a correct diagnosis. When a person wagers on a horse race based on their opinion about the horse’s name—it is not critical thinking. Illustrate: Critical thinking is like a pair of binoculars—they allow you to get up close, explore details, put what you see in context and understand more of what you are seeing (Nosich, 2012, p. 34).

11 What is Creative Thinking?
Creative thinking differs from critical thinking in this it is expansive, focusing on producing unique solutions (i.e., new alternatives) Creative thinking requires you to temporarily suspend what you might know about a question or problem to gain different perspectives.

12 Source: Paul & Elder, Foundation for Critical Thinking

13 Good Luck in Your Critical Thinking
Reference List (to learn more): Nosich, G. (2012). Learning to Think Things Through, A guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson. Paul, R. and L. Elder. (2006). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.


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