Critical thinking is the systematic process of gathering and analyzing information, using logical reasoning. The prominent characteristics of critical thinking are analysis, evaluation and interpretation of relevant data using logic.
Sean,
Thank you for these two additional characteristics. They definitely are needed if critical thinkers are going to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the class I have found two additional characrterictics that are needed for a critical thinker. The first is not letting any preconceived conclusions drive your thought process. The second is patience, taking time to reflect and really think thorugh the facts.
Cindy,
This is one of the essential elements of problem solving development. If no questions are asked then no knowledge will be acquired.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agreed that a critical thinker needs these charateritics asking questions and not being afraid to is critical in the work force also and getting students to do this only helps in the workforce.
Robert,
So true. It seems that many individuals lack is what is commonly called "common sense" when it comes to thinking through the entire situation and problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A critical thinker must realize that he or she needs to allow ample time to sufficiently consider all sides of an issue, and not be swayed by personal preferences or popular opinion.
Annette,
Like your analysis of how critical thinking should progress. Being raised on a farm myself and currently running a mule ranch I can tell you that almost every day I am faced with a new problem that requires the stop, think and reflect method of problem solving. One thing about country folks we have to solve most of our problems ourselves because we are so far from town we don't have anyone to call upon except ourselves to "fix" whatever is not working.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I think of "critical thinking" thoughts go to growing up on a farm, watching my dad and grandpa automatically applying critical thinking to broken equipment or crop successes. Building, solving problems and integrating this with the "Pink Panther" movies. My family is like Inspector Clouseau, much patience, taking time to look at data, collect ALL the data, questioning the validity of sources, and taking the time to decide. Critical thinkers have to demonstrate the characteristics of patientce, perseverence, inquiry to find data and information as well as being able to see connectivity between bits of data, knowing if the source of data can be trusted and when to move on. When these come together and the Ahh Haa moment hits, the Critical thinking is working!
Vanessa,
This is where self discipline comes in and this is hard for many students. If they can't do a quick internet search and find the solution then they are done. They need to be able to lay out the problem and then think it through to solution if they are going to be successful in their career growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are a lot of things that are important such as analytical skills, being self-directed, etc but I think the most important aspect of successful critical thinking is having the drive to want to find the answer.
Robert,
You hit upon a key point in relation to critical thinkers. They need to gather facts, reflect and analyze the situation. If they are using a set formula to solve a problem and the problem does not fit that formula then they have no alternative solutions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical thinkers must be open minded. It's fine to have preconceptions about subjects, but a true critical thinker will gather the facts, reflect and analyze the material, and then draw a conclusion.
Mohan,
Thank you for including the essential element of patience in your definition of critical thinkers. Many students want to rush to the solution when often results in the problem not being solved. Patience gives time to reflect and analyze options.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jessica,
Well developed definition and one that will enable individuals to approach problems from a number of different angles.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Trinidad,
Well done! You have captured the different elements needed to problem solve in a way that integrates diverse information as well as approach strategies. This is important when doing any critical thinking and problem solving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Richard,
Good definition and one that illustrates the value of common sense as a problem solving tool.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A student who is inquisitive, one who is not afraid to ask questions. These students seem to be above average intelligence and always ask why or how.
A critical thinker has to be intelligent. He or she has to be patient. To me, patience is hall mark for a critical thinker. Wise use of time is another important requirement for a critical thinker.Focused thinking is yet another characteristic.
Characteristics of critical thinker include the ability to obtain information from multiple sources; decide which information in relevant, accurate, and most important; and then make proper decisions biased on that information.
