I think it's difficult for people to use critical thinking today with the onslaught of information available. You need critical thinking skills to carefully sort what is relevant, which takes time. Having students really find "the right question" is key to finding the data and information. That also takes critical thinking. So its a catch 22: It takes critical thinking to develop critical thinking.
Mitra,
True. By looking at the situation from different angles then different solutions can be proposed and a choice made in relation to solving the presented problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think a critical thinker must be able to look at a case/ situation from multiple angles at the same time.
Doris,
Good point and one to consider as you provide students with critical thinking opportunities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
How people feel about their character and self worth. Being able to judge problems and come up with solutions objectively.
Kenneth,
Thank your for these keen observations and comments as they contribute to the ongoing discussion in this area. It is important to bring a logical and common sense approach to the problem if one expects to be able to create possible solutions and then select the solution that is most appropriate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical thinking can be learned and I had a great boss once tell me “Thinking is free.†It just takes time.
Just reviewed several of the posts by others and looking to add to those characteristics of patience, open-minded, logical, analytical just to name a few.
To add to these I would say there is a sense of judgment that is a key part of a critical thinker along with a skill to sort out different ways to look at a situation or problem to develop good solutions. This is extremely true when dealing with a crisis.
Frances,
Your last sentence contains some very valuable advice. This is how problem solving and reflective thinking can be developed and used as one progresses in his or her career.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe you must have the information, your set of facts, to analyze and create your solution. If you are missing a component of information, the outcome could be incorrect. It is vital in sciences or life threatening situations to have all of your information with which to formulate your answer or action. Everyone developes skills at a different pace. That is why we have Navy Seals, ER doctors....spur of the moment. For others, it may take a while longer. Bakers, chefs or everyday people that have to critically think if they have a sick child. EVERYONE critically thinks and just does not realize it. Get your facts, process it, take action!
Diane,
Well said. If this process can be ingrained into the minds of students then they will leave with major skills at being reflective critical thinkers as well as problem solvers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical thinkers think with purpose. They look at the entire problem and decide what is best to solve it. They use assumptions and consequences(if I do X, Y will happen.
Peter,
So true and so important in the development of problem solving skills. A critical thinker needs to be able to sort through the possible options and then come up with viable solutions and to do this requires extensive experience.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A critical thinker needs to be a little skeptical. He can never take things at face value. It is important to require evidence and proof for any and all claims made.
Asking questions to obtain information prior to making decisions
Dennis,
Like your definition and the point you make about individuals that jump to conclusions without thinking through the situation. This frequently lands them in trouble with the outcomes they achieve. They need to step back and think through the situation, review some possible solutions and then solve the problem. With this method they are going to achieve much better results.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From my perspective, a critical thinker is someone who looks at all of the possibilities and then makes an informed decision. Far too many people jump to conclusions before they have all of the facts, and that can just make a bad situation even worse.
Scott,
This does get students going since they are required to analyze and think even after answering the first question. This is how much of the problem solving we do in our career fields so this helps them get experience in doing it for themselves.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
when trying to get my students to think for themselves, I often answer a question with a question. I feel it makes them stop and think about the information they are seeking. and more often than not they have the answer.
Richard,
Like your definition and how it can be used to create critical thinking growth. This gives insight and opportunity when it comes to problem solving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Critical Thinking to me is the study of how things were done in the past, and analyzing what has worked, has not worked, and what will work best with my personality and teaching style. Being able to think critically is a skill that is developed over time with patience and practice.
