"Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it"*

A critical thinker:

- raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.
- gathers and assess relevant information and solutions, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively.
- comes to well reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards.
- thinks openmindedly within alternative systems of thought recognizing and assess, as need be, their assumptions, implications and practical consequences.
- communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

Critical thinking is ... self directed,

... self disciplined

... self monitored

... and self corrective.

Critical thinking requires rigorous standards of excellence, a mindful command of their use, effective communication, problem solving abilities, and a personal commitment to leave your ego and baggage at the door and think for yourself!

 

For the assignment - the Critical Thinking Project:

Read the article you have chosen and answer the following questions.

- For the On Campus Class: Your paper should be typed, stapled in upper left corner if needed. Put your name in the upper right hand corner.

- For the online class, Put your name on the top of the email. Do Not attach this or you will lose points. Justsend a regular email with no attachments.

Use APA citation format to tell me the title, author, etc. of your peer reviewed journal article.

Then, answer number 1 - 8 in order.

DO NOT COPY THE QUESTIONS! No need for complete sentences, just use brief bullet points or short clauses to answer each question.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OP-ED Article:

1. The author's main purpose is _______________________________.

2. The key question is ___________________________________.

3. The most important information (facts, data) (a)_____________.

(b)__________________ (c) ______________________ (etc.)

4. The key concept(s) do we need to understand _________________________________.

5. The author makes the following assumption(s) _______________________________.

6. The conclusion the author draws is _____________________________.

7. The implications of the conclusion are ___________________________________.

8. The other points of view the author has ignored are _________________________.

 

 

* All of the above based on "The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, by Paul & Elder, www.criticalthinking.org