Critical Thinking in the 21st Century

by

Eric Starr, Hollie Keesee, and Kelli Hudnall

What is Critical Thinking?Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and

skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or

evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation,

experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to

belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal

intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity,

accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good

reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.

Importance in Education• Do Away With Memorization

• Asking Why?

• Collaborating Ideas

• Wanting to Learn the Material

ApplicationEngage students in assignments that stray away from activities such as

testing and worksheets to promote thinking and problem solving skills

that allows students to think outside the box and explore a topic

together. The main goal is to get your students to start “thinking about

thinking.”

Technological Tools• Classroom blogs• Discussion boards• Group projects

Rather than:• Tests• Papers

Detailed Example of Application- Students create a group blog of the most important things

Ben Franklin accomplished.- Ex. One group would mention his role in the American

Revolution rather than him creating the U.S. Postal Service. - Other students will be asked to comment on these posts

and explain if they agree or disagree with their statements. - This is a way for students to think critically while learning

new materials. This is overall a better option than giving the students a test and asking them to list dates, inventions, etc.

Works CitedGlaser, Edward M. "Defining Critical Thinking." The Critical Thinking Community. Foundation for Critical Thinking. 2012. Web. 3 Dec. 2013

< http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766 >

Kharbach, Med. “What Does Critical Thinking Mean in Education?” 2012. Web. 3 Dec. 2013

<http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/09/critical-thinking-learning.html>

Mabe, Lisa. “The Importance of Applying Critical Thinking to Children's Learning .“ Surry Community College. Web. 4 Dec. 2013

<http://www.surry.edu/portals/0/mabe_importance.pdf>

Strategies and Tactics for Critical Thinking." CriticalThinking.NET. Ed. Robert H. Ennis. N.p., Nov. 2013. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.

<http://www.criticalthinking.net/howteach.html>