The Art of Critical

Thinking

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

• CRITICAL THINKING is

an active and systematic process

Communication

• The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.

– American Heritage Dictionary, 2005

– Articulation – The ability to tell others exactly what in an argument is good or bad

• Institute for Critical Thinking, Montclair State University

• The ability to address complex situations or questions that do not have one correct answer but must be figured out as well as possible

– Nosich, 2005

Problem-solving

• The ability to use criteria and standards to judge the quality and value of ideas, products, or procedures

– Carey, 2001

Evaluation

Analysis

• The ability to divide a concept or unit into smaller parts so the parts and the relationship among them is clear

– Carey, 2001

Synthesis

• The ability to combine and integrate separate elements according to their relationship … to organize, summarize, and explain information and make predictions

– Harris, 2001

Reflection

• The reflective mind seeks meaning, monitors what it thinks, and draws a clear distinction between its thinking and the thinking of its audience

– Elder & Paul, 2003

• in community

• individually

and

To• Support sound

decision-making

• Guide action

• Foster understanding