The Art of Critical Thinking

1. The Art of Critical Thinking

2. Critical Thinking CRITICAL THINKING is the active and systematic process of • Communication • Problem-solving • Evaluation • Analysis • Synthesis • Reflection both individually and in communityto • Foster understanding • Support sound decision-making and • Guide action

3. CRITICAL THINKING is an active and systematic process

4. Communication • The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas. • American Heritage Dictionary, 2005 • Articulation – The ability to tell others exactly what in an argument is good or bad • Institute for Critical Thinking, Montclair State University

5. Problem-solving • The ability to address complex situations or questions that do not have one correct answer but must be figured out as well as possible • Nosich, 2005

6. Evaluation • The ability to use criteria and standards to judge the quality and value of ideas, products, or procedures • Carey, 2001

7. Analysis • The ability to divide a concept or unit into smaller parts so the parts and the relationship among them is clear • Carey, 2001

8. Synthesis • The ability to combine and integrate separate elements according to their relationship … to organize, summarize, and explain information and make predictions • Harris, 2001

9. Reflection • The reflective mind seeks meaning, monitors what it thinks, and draws a clear distinction between its thinking and the thinking of its audience • Elder & Paul, 2003

10. individually and • in community

11. To • Support sound decision-making • Foster understanding • Guide action