Iwill be interesting to see how your critical-thinking skills change over the next few weeks and months. Given where you are currently, rate yourself as a “critical” thinker. At the end of the term; return to this table, and see how much you've changed. Circle the nurnber that best fits you in each of the critical situations described below. Critical Situations Never Sometimes Always in class, lask lots of questions when don't | 12 8 9 10 understand, - if don't agree with what the group decides 10 is the correct answer, | challenge the group opinion. I believe there are many solutions t a problem. | admire those people in history who | challenged what was believed at the time, such as "the earth is flat.” I make an effort to listen to both sides of an argument before deciding which way | will go. Task lots of people's opinions about a political candidate before making up my mind, i'am not afraid to change my belief system if Learn something new. Authority figures do not intimidate The more 7-10 scores you have circled, the more likely itis that you use your critical-thinking skills often. The lower scores indicaté that you may not use critica-thinking skills very often, or that you use them only during certain activities. & highinesst Collaboration practice 3 ‘One way to become a better critical thinker is to practice with other people. . By getting feedback from others, you can see the possible flaws in your TE SS ELES’ own position or approach. Whether debating an issue in a political science iapplestocrtcel ink, class or making a dress in a fashion design class, appreciate how people Eexslynteamctcenve bring their own life experiences, personal taste, knowledge, and expertise 92 CHAPTERS Thinking in College 4 i) Sanaa to the table. Most questions do not have clear-cut answers, and there are | Haoiiewacreeacrce> The often several way’ of approaching any task. Getting input from others can | ‘esinos chou he beeen help make your finished product a masterpiece. I thinking are an important reason Researchers who study thinking of elementary school students, high t RASS SE school students, and college students find that critical thinking and collab- | scuctonl pace, oration go hand in hand. Students at all levels are more likely to exercise I |