Commonly used definition: the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.
Critical thinking requires interpretation, application, and evaluation of information. Incorporating ideas and fully understanding a concept can be a difficult task for students, often students do not know how to engage in critical thinking.
Bridging the gap between study habits from high school to ones that will work in college can be extremely difficult for young students. However, there are ways to promote reflective thinking to help students succeed.
Promoting critical thinking in students will not only help them in academic settings but in their day to day life. In addition, material can become valuable to students throughout their academic career.
In order to facilitate critical thinking, instructors should:
SQ3R
SQ5R
The Wheel of Thinking is a useful tool to engage students in assignments. It is composed of eight key elements:
State concept or idea succinctly,
Elaborate concept in own words,
Exemplify concept with examples,
Illustrate concept with pictures, words, metaphors, etc.
*Picture references:
Critical Thinking. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2014, from:
http://www.eportfolio.lagcc.cuny.edu/scholars/doc_fa08/eP_Fa08/Farhana.Khonkodar/HUP102.html
Critical Thinking Process. (n.d.) Retrieved January 15, 2014, from:
http://www.stronggirlswin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/critical-thinking.png