One who gathers all pertinent information and does an analysis based on facts and not emotions to come up with a correct conclusion.They can not be impulsive, impatient or biased.
A person that takes the time to digest the information I give during lecture than ask more questions that lead to another conversation showing me that they understand exactly what is being taught.
Jennifer,
Good analysis on how approach critical thinking development with students. The steps you list will have your students acquiring self discipline in relation to how they will become problem solvers that are sought by employers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my opinion, a critical thinker is someone who can look at a situation from several perspectives and try to predict possible outcomes. Then, through carful but timely analysis come up with a course of action that will lead to the best outcome. In my opinion, truly great critical thinkers are a rarity, especially in my industry. In the retail food industry, I have met many chefs who make amazing food but cannot successfully run a restaurant. It is all about understanding what to offer, who to target, what to charge,etc. Sales forcasting and marketing is all about careful analysis and understanding. I try to make students understand the importance of critical thinking, in addition to cooking skills, to their overall success.
Patricia,
Good list of characteristics. Many students are not willing to invest in themselves to develop such a skill set. Hopefully we as their instructors get them to see the value associated with being life long learners and critical thinkers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Characteristics of Critical Thinker
Understanding and an open mind to others ideas and opinions of the world.
Desire to learn, think, and ask questions.
Heather,
I use case studies as my primary processing format with my students as well. Having real life scenarios available helps students to think through the different outcomes that may result from how they approach the situation. You are right about this expanding their critical thinking skills as they work through these situations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my legal studies courses, I have my students apply the material to real life scenarios. This is critical thinking at its best. I believe the characteristics needed to accomplish this task is attention to detail and great analytic skills.
Richard,
Right you are about the fact that it isn't easy. It takes time and self discipline to become a critical thinker and problem solver. The more opportunities we can provide our students to realize they need to develop these skills and then develop them the better prepared our students will be upon graduation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The ability to automatically examine (questions) statements that are not already certain to be correct.
The patience to find the correctness of a statement or situation.
The courage to note when someone else is wrong and, even more so, when one is wrong. In other words, and this covers each of these, no preconceptions about important issues. It isn't easy!
Dhipinder,
Good approach to helping your students be able to analyze and then do reflective thinking about a problem. They do need to see that even with Google they need to expend some brain power on how to approach and solve problems. Many lack this ability so we need to try and provide as many opportunities as we can for them to develop this most important skill.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe a critical thinker must be comfortable in speaking in questions. She must be willing to temporarily give up declarative statements and beyond that be okay with the possibility of needing to make connections between resources, data, etc. to find an answer. In a world where google answers everything, starting my class off with We are going to play around in the world of questions might scare off some and so patience and trust are crucial characteristics as well.
Jessica,
They certainly can be identified through their approach to situations and problems. They examination of the options available and then coming up with solutions is what will set them apart when they are in the workplace. Employers look for critical thinkers and problem solvers so the more they can excel at critical thinking the more valuable they are going to be upon graduation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Craig,
I agree with you and this is why we need to help our students develop strategies that will enable them to be more effective when they are called upon to do critical thinking. Once they start to see how critical thinking can help them they are going to see the value of what you taught them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical thinkers typically can be identified because they are deliberately conscientious of the judgments that they make. Instead of giving a "black or white" response, they take the time to examine all angles of an issue and allow for alternative outcomes and unpredictable variables. They are more likely to look at situations case by case instead of making blanket judgments.
I believe critical thinking is essential in a hands on fast paced environment, especially when you are in a leadership position.
Christopher,
You hit on two very important elements in critical thinking--curiosity and confidence. Having both students can explore options, research solutions and then propose action which will lead to successful problem solving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical thinking requires a certain amount of curiosity and confidence. I believe you must be interested in investigating the topic beyond simply giving the face value response, and be confident in your ability to dissect and solve the problem. I also think that both the ability to be systematic in one's approach, and to have the ability to see a problem from more than one point of view is helpful.
Rosana,
Good point about the need for patience. By stepping back and reflecting on the situation, options and then possible solutions the students can start to see the value of thinking things through.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree critical thinkers need to have patience. They need to be able to stop think the situation, question or problem through before they answer. They also need to be analytical but decisive.
