Course: Critical Thinking

First Session What is Critical Thinking? “Definition” Importance of Critical Thinking to Student/Society Critical Thinking Standards Benefits of Critical Thinking Barriers of Critical Thinking Characteristics

Facilitator: Ms. Qazi Safia Hussain

What is Critical Thinking?

Definitions: the process of actively and skillfully

conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.

disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

Not a Critical Thinker!

CRITICAL THINKING

SKILLS

Analyzing

Reasoning

Evaluating

Decision Making Problem Solving

What is critical thinking?

What is Critical Thinking?

Reasoning- the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way.

Analyzing-discover or reveal (something) through detailed examination.

Evaluating- form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess

Decision Making- the action or process of making decisions, especially important ones.

Problem Solving- the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

Importance of Critical Thinking-Students

Can you analyze situations? Can you solve problems? Can you communicate your position logically? Can you make good decisions (based on data,

not feelings)?

Importance of Critical Thinking-Society

Failure in critical thinking are disastrous Mishaps, Mislead Information, Adverse Effect on people.

Faulty critical thinking can lead to wrong conclusions Biased polls adversely affect public opinion- Example:

Elections 80 percent of Americans think the government is hiding

knowledge of the existence of aliens. 3 million Americans believe they've had a possible encounter with aliens

Critical Thinking Standards

The most significant critical (intellectual) thinking standards:

Clarity (ask for example, clear your confusions) Accuracy (check the result-test it) Precision (precise and specific details) Relevance (question should be relevant) Depth (complexities of your question, all problems

addressed) Logic (makes sense, A man can fly only in

movies) Fairness (Impartial, Un-Biased)

Benefits of Critical Thinking

Academics You will learn to critically evaluate arguments and beliefs. You will be able to understand things clearly and can

deliver better. Workplace

Open Mindedness- to adapt changes. You will become more analytical in solving problems.

Daily Life Helps us to avoid making foolish personal decisions. Becomes capable of making good decisions on important social,

political and economic issues

Barriers to Critical Thinking

Some common barriers that encourages us to think critically.

Lack of information Poor reading and listening skills Prejudice Narrow Mindedness Stereotyping Fear of Change

Barriers to Critical Thinking Self Centered Thinking (I am the best)

Self Interested Self Served

Group Centered Thinking (We are the best team in the world) Group Bias Conformism

Unwarranted Assumptions (Muslims are terrorist, Pink color is for girls only) Assumptions Stereotyping

Wishful Thinking: Believing that something is true, just because you wished it to be.

Characteristics of Critical Thinker

Open Minded Honest Courage Passion Aware Welcomes Criticism Independent