Chapter 1Chapter 1

Dev Ed Dev Ed

Writing 990Writing 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)

LLearning earning OOutcomesutcomes

By the end of this presentation, the student By the end of this presentation, the student will:will:

Better understand what critical Better understand what critical thinking isthinking is

Know why critical thinking is Know why critical thinking is importantimportant

Accept the challenge to think critically Accept the challenge to think critically in every classin every class

““Disciplined, Disciplined,

self-directed self-directed

thinking . . . ”*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 disciplinedprocess of actively and skillfullyconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information.”*

* The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking, 1987.* 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 What does critical thinking involve?thinking involve?

Making logical inferencesMaking logical inferences((based upon the information presented)based upon the information presented)

Drawing logical Drawing logical conclusionsconclusions((based upon the information presented)based upon the information presented)

Higher levels of thinking, Higher levels of thinking, such as . . .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 questionsFormulate 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 conclusionsFind solutionsUse 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 curiosityDevelop a sense of observation and curiosity• Become interested in finding new solutionsBecome interested in finding new solutions• Share ideasShare ideas• Ask pertinent questionsAsk pertinent questions• Assess statements and argumentsAssess statements and arguments• Seek understanding and informationSeek 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 Critical Thinking Through ViewingViewing

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 imageInterpret the image Evaluate the imageEvaluate the image

Let’s practice!Let’s practice!

Critical Thinking Through Critical Thinking Through WritingWriting

Same, same, same

Practicing Modes of Thinking in Your Writing pg 21

Group discussion

Global Market

Critical Thinking Through Critical Thinking Through WritingWriting

Deductive videoDeductive video Inductive videoInductive video

Which is which?Which is which?

Let’s practice.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 ChallengesList of Challenges

Discuss and Discuss and write in the airwrite in the air