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What is Critical Thinking?. CRITICAL THINKING is the active and systematic process of Communication Problem-solving Evaluation Analysis Synthesis Reflection both individually and in community to Foster understanding Support sound decision-making and Guide action .
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What is 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
Why is critical thinking important to employers? • Employers are looking for people who can deal effectively with any situation at work: • Can you solve problems? • Can you analyze situations? • Can you make good decisions • (based on data, not feelings)?
Failures in critical thinking can be disastrous • Space Shuttle Columbia
Failures in critical thinking can be disastrous • Levee construction in New Orleans Levee construction in New Orleans
Faulty critical thinking can lead to wrong conclusions • Biased polls adversely affect public opinion … which could affect the outcome of an election!
Faulty critical thinking can lead to wrong conclusions • Urban myth: • Enormous alligators inhabit New York City's sewer system. Adopted as babies by New Yorkers visiting Florida, they are brought home and then flushed down the toilet once their owners tire of them. (Not True!)
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Science • Analyzing results of experiments in light of existing theories
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Math • Selecting appropriate problem-solving strategy for word problems
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Humanities • Putting literature and art into historical context
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Political science • Analyzing others’ points of view
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Sociology • Analyzing others’ points of view
Why is critical thinking important to student learning? • College-level learning is deeper than memorizing facts: Communications • Debate • Persuasive writing
Critical thinking in the world of work • Health fields – making decisions in clinical settings
Critical thinking in the world of work • Technology • Problem-solving software/ engineering solutions
Critical thinking in the world of work • Criminal justice/fire science – • Analyzing the scene
Critical thinking in the world of work • Education • Reflecting on student success resulting from your teaching
Critical thinking in the world of work • Business • Analyzing information to detect trends • Ethical decisions
Critical thinking in everyday life • How should I prepare for a hurricane? • Should I evacuate?
Critical thinking in everyday life • What is the safest way to travel?
Critical thinking in everyday life • What is the slant of a news story?
Critical thinking in everyday life • What are my real chances of winning the lottery?
Critical thinking in everyday life • Why is my good friend angry at me?
Critical thinking in everyday life • Which phone company plan is best for my needs?