Chapter 4 - Critical Thinking

What is critical thinking?

• Making good decisions & clearly explaining why you made a decision

• Being analytical

• Being open minded

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Critically thinking is a skill that refer to abilities like being open-minded, mindful, and analytical, and to evaluate, question, reason, hypothesize, interpret, explain, and draw conclusions!

Can technology be harmful to critical thinking?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• I'm unsure

Answer explanation

Sometimes the overuse of technology in the classroom can affect the learning process in a negative way. Plagiarism and cheating have increased while analysis and critical thinking skills appear to be in decline.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit to critical thinking for student?

• Good decision making

• Form strong opinions based on instinct and feelings

• Willingness to stick with a task

• Better grades and/or performance on high stakes tests

• The ability to address bias and prejudice

Which of the 4 critical thinking skills do you think is the most useful?

• Review your content understanding

• Evaluate the decision-making process

• Analyze the material

• Synthesize your answers regarding the material

Critical thinking (along with creative thinking and problem solving) belongs to a group of cognitive abilities called HOTS. What does this stand for?

• Harder Order Thinking Skills

• Higher Order Thinking Skills

• Harder Operation Thinking Skills

• Higher Operation Thinking Skills

Answer explanation

This list of cognitive skills is based on Bloom’s well-known Taxonomy of Educational Goals.

Reorder the steps in the critical thinking process.

1. Review your content understanding/clarify the problem.

2. Evaluate your decision making process.

3. Synthesize your answers about the material.

4. Analyze the material.