Critical Thinking

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Critical Thinking
Define critical thinking and discuss why it is an
important topic to be addressed by today's
educators. How is critical thinking similar to
and different from creativity?
Developed by W. Huitt, 1999
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Critical Thinking
Good thinking is an important element of life
success in the information age (Huitt, 1993
Thomas Smoot, 1994).
This presentation will present a brief overview
of what we know about critical thinking.
Huitt, W. (1995). Success in the information age
A paradigm shift. Valdosta, GA Valdosta State
University. Based on a background paper developed
for a workshop presentation at the Georgia
Independent School Association, Atlanta, Georgia,
November 6.
Thomas, G., Smoot, G. (1994, February/March ).
Critical thinking A vital work skill. Thrust for
Educational Leadership, 23, 34-38.
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Definitions of Critical Thinking
The definition of critical thinking has changed
somewhat over the last decade
...the ability to analyze facts, generate and
organize ideas, defend opinions, make
comparisons, draw inferences, evaluate arguments
and solve problems (Chance,1986, p. 6)
Chance, P. (1986). Thinking in the classroom A
survey of programs. New York Teachers College,
Columbia University.
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Definitions of Critical Thinking
The definition of critical thinking has changed
somewhat over the last decade
...a way of reasoning that demands adequate
support for one's beliefs and an unwillingness to
be persuaded unless support is forthcoming (Tama,
1989, p. 64)
Tama, C. (1989). Critical thinking has a place in
every classroom. Journal of Reading, 33, 64-65.
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Definitions of Critical Thinking
The definition of critical thinking has changed
somewhat over the last decade
...a conscious and deliberate process which is
used to interpret or evaluate information and
experiences with a set of reflective attitudes
and abilities that guide thoughtful beliefs and
actions (Mertes,1991, p.24)
Mertes, L. (1991). Thinking and writing. Middle
School Journal, 22, 24-25.
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Definitions of Critical Thinking
The definition of critical thinking has changed
somewhat over the last decade
...the intellectually disciplined process of
actively and skillfully conceptualizing,
applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or
evaluating information gathered from, or
generated by, observation, experience,
reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a
guide to belief and action (Scriven Paul, 1992)
Scriven, M., Paul, R. (1992, November).
Critical thinking defined. Handout given at
Critical Thinking Conference, Atlanta, GA.
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Definitions of Critical Thinking
The definition of critical thinking has changed
somewhat over the last decade
reasonable reflective thinking focused on
deciding what to believe or do (Ennis, 1992).
Ennis, R. (1992). Critical thinking What is it?
Proceedings of the Forty-Eighth Annual Meeting of
the Philosophy of Education Society Denver,
Colorado, March 27-30.
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Contributions to Critical Thinking
A variety of groups have made a contribution to
our understanding of critical thinking

• Cognitive psychology

• Philosophy

• Behavioral psychology

• Content specialists

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Comparing Blooms Taxonomy to Critical Thinking
Blooms taxonomy of the cognitive domain

• Knowledge

• Comprehension

• Application

• Analysis

• Synthesis

• Evaluation

Bloom, B., Englehart, M., Furst, E., Hill, W.,
Krathwohl, D. (1956). Taxonomy of educational
objectives The classification of educational
goals. Handbook I Cognitive Domain. New York
Longmans Green.
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Comparing Blooms Taxonomy to Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Critical Thinking
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Comparing Blooms Taxonomy to Critical Thinking
Huitts (1992) classification of problem-solving
techniques

• Critical thinking--linear and serial, more
  structured, more rational and analytical, and
  more goal-oriented

• Creative thinking--holistic and parallel, more
  emotional and intuitive, more creative, more
  visual, and more tactual/ kinesthetic

Huitt, W. (1992). Problem solving and decision
making Consideration of individual differences
using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Journal of
Psychological Type, 24, 33-44.
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Comparing Blooms Taxonomy to Critical Thinking
Springer Deutschs (1993) classification of
brain-lateralization dominance

• Left brain thinking--analytic, serial, logical,
  objective

• Right brain thinking--global, parallel,
  emotional, subjective

Springer, S., Deutsch, G. (1993). Left brain,
right brain (4th ed.). New York W. H. Freeman
and Co.
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Problems With Prior Definitions
All good thinking labeled as critical thinking
Confuses attitudes and dispositions towards
thinking with actual thinking process
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Proposed Definition
Ennis (1992) definition comes closest to useful
generic definition
Proposed definition aligns with Blooms level of
evaluation
Critical thinking is the disciplined mental
activity of evaluating arguments or propositions
and making judgments that can guide the
development of beliefs and taking action.
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Proposed Definition
Critical thinking must be contrasted with
non-critical thinking

• Habitual thinking

• Brainstorming

• Creative thinking

• Prejudicial thinking

• Emotive thinking

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Critical Thinking Program
A complete critical thinking program will deal
with each of the components in the model

• Declarative knowledge

• Procedural knowledge

• Memory of images or visualizations

• Attitudes

• Process of critical thinking

• Conation

• Overt behavior and using feedback

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Summary and Conclusions
The following are important factors in discussion
of critical thinking

• Recognize critical thinking is important
  attribute for success in the 21st century.

• Carefully define the concept of "critical"
  thinking and delineate it from similar concepts

• Identify expected behaviors and subtasks
  associated with critical thinking and develop
  operational definitions.

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Summary and Conclusions
The following are important factors in discussion
of critical thinking

• Complete task analyses, define intermediate
  goals, and develop evaluation methods

• Identify "best" methods of instruction for each
  aspect of the critical thinking process

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Summary and Conclusions
Critical thinking and its components are
developed and used best when learned in
connection with a specific domain of knowledge.
Teachers and instructors at all levels must
require students to use these skills in every
class and evaluate their skills accordingly.
Creative thinking and problem solving must also
be taught.
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The End