If we define critical thinking as it is expressed here:
“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.” [Michael Scriven and Richard Paul, 1987; offered in a presentation at a Conference on Critical Thinking]….
…how good at critical thinking would you judge the students in your courses at UTM to be?
Is it enough to give more written assignments? How well do you model critical thinking to your students? What might you do better in this regard? Just what do we need to do to improve the critical-thinking skills of our students?
