CRITICAL THINKING

INTRODUCTION
 Overview and Process of Critical Thinking

TOPICS COVERED

• What is critical thinking?

• Key characteristics of critical thinkers
• 7 steps to critical thinking – Knowledge, analysis, creativity, structuring arguments,
decision making, commitment and evaluation
• Role of sound judgment
• Benefits of critical thinking
 WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING?

Critical thinking involves a number of processes including identifying and evaluating

specific situations, being aware of any contributing circumstances and the potential
results of your actions or plans. To think critically, it is important to evaluate various
perspectives (yours and others) to identify the resources available to you and evaluate
the short and long-term effects of taking a particular action.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

 Key characteristics of critical thinkers

• CURIOSITY
• COMPASSION
• AWARENESS
• DECISIVENESS
• HONESTY
• WILLINGNESS
• CREATIVITY
 7 steps to critical thinking

• Knowledge
• Analysis
• Creativity
• Structuring arguments
• Decision making
• Commitment
• Evaluation
 Role of sound judgment

An ability, capacity, or faculty to make considered and effective

decisions, come to sensible conclusions, perceive and distinguish
relationships, understand situations, and form objective opinions
especially in matters that affect action
 Benefits of critical thinking

• APPROACH
• SAVE TIME
• AN APPRECIATION OF DIFFERING WORLD VIEWS
• ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
• DECISION – MAKING
• REASON