ERIN E. DOLAN

ABSTRACT

 

Critical thinking is one of the most essential, yet often elusive, skills to master. Critical thinking, in many ways, is the brains way of screening the information that it receives to determine whether or not it is of value. In reading an article, hearing a conversation, or watching a television program, critical thinking is the skill that allows the mind to pause and reflect before storing information.

 

BECOMING A CRITICAL THINKER

 

As humans, we often seek information that is desirable to our own beliefs, and seek to disprove information that is not. Because of this, our critical thinking skills are often replaced by goal-oriented thinking. In many cases, this goal-oriented thinking serves the purpose of discerning information not as true or false, but right or wrong in comparison with our own belief system. Critical thinking is, in essence, the ability to see the big picture when it comes to receiving information.

 

In their book “Critical Thinking”, Richard Paul and Linda Eller reference six stages of development that are involved in the process of becoming a critical thinker. They believe that a crucial part of becoming a critical thinker is first recognizing that thinking may be flawed to begin with. Once this is recognized, a learner can begin to identify when their thinking may be flawed and allow themselves the opportunity to put their critical thinking skills to use.

 

Some of the major elements of critical thinking are the ability to identify, analyze and interpret information. Fortunately, in our information-filled society, there are opportunities to practice critical thinking every single day. Whether watching television, surfing the internet, having a conversation with a friend or reading a magazine, critical thinking opportunities are endless.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 

One often overlooked aspect of critical thinking is the utilization of it in how we communicate with ourselves. All too often, people utilize negative self-talk to feed anxiety, worry and low self-esteem. People utilize all-or-nothing statements to give themselves an appraisal on their worth or ability to succeed. By utilizing critical thinking skills in self-talk, people can identify, analyze and interpret the information and decide whether or not it is accurate.

 

REFERENCES

 

Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2001). Critical Thinking in Everyday Life: 9 Strategies. Retrieved April 14, 2014 from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-in-everyday-life-9-strategies.

 

Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2012). Becoming a Critic of Your Thinking adapted from the book, Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Retrieved April 14, 2014 from http:// www.criticalthinking.org/pages/becoming-a-critic-of-your-thinking.

 

Scriven, M. & Paul, R. (2008). Defining Critical Thinking- Foundation for Critical Thinking. Retrieved April 13, 2014 from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/.