Dr. Chris McMillan, Academic Skills Adviser
Today: An introduction to critical thinking and thinking independently at university
25th October: Critical Reading and Critiquing Research
1st November: Understanding and developing arguments
8th November: Critical Writing
1.
Develop an awareness of the importance of critical thinking
2.
Understand the core elements of critical thinking and analysis
3.
Be able to apply these insights to reading, research and writing assignments
4.
Develop a sense of ourselves as critical scholars
Participation is strongly encouraged, but not demanded.
We must all respect each other’s views: argue the idea, not the person
Critical thinking is an attitude rather than a set of skills.
You do need to challenge your comfort zone.
Thinking critically can produce some interesting ideas and debates
It can also raise some anxieties when ideas challenge our strongly held notions
It is very important that we discuss issues with respect
What do you think?
Consider the basic elements of critical thinking
Understand the importance of critical thinking
Identify some of the barriers to thinking critically
Discuss how to move past these barriers
ď ˝
In groups, create a mind-map of all the possible elements of critical thinking
ď ˝
Can you add any specific examples of when you have had to think critically?
ď ˝
Moving from remembering, recording and describing information to analysing, evaluating and synthesising knowledge
Describing
Analysing and Evaluating
Critical thinking is a questioning attitude, rather than a set of skills
Independent and active learning is essential at university
◦ The ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise is vital to producing high quality academic work
Reasoning and analysis skills are highly valued by employers
◦ Need to be able to think for yourself and make independent judgements
Universities have a vital role in democratic societies
Having a critical identity makes you a more interesting person!
Universities act as the ‘critic and conscience of society’
More than producing skilled graduates, democratic societies require critical consumers of information to hold those in authority to account
University scholar’s seek to move beyond describing what is known to analysing and evaluating what is claimed as knowledge
On your piece of paper, hold up the number you most agree with
1. 2.
3. 4. 5.
“I like straightforward classes where there are not a lot of different ideas for the same thing. I just want to know the facts”
Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree Strongly Disagree
“Everybody has the right to their own opinion and ideas. Who am I do decide what is right and wrong� 1.
2. 3. 4.
5.
Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree Strongly Disagree
“I like arguing about competing ideas and coming to my own conclusion� 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree Strongly Disagree
ď ˝
Critical thinking is a developmental process Certainty
Relativism
Constructed Knowledge
ď ˝
Are you critical?
ď ˝
Write for one minute on whether you are an independent thinker in your life and at university. Is it something you find difficult, or does it come naturally?
ď ˝
A.
B. C. D.
What is your biggest barrier to becoming a more critical thinker? Lack of knowledge of subject Respect for authority and tradition Underdeveloped thinking skills Avoiding conflict
Cultural factors ◦ Respect for authority
Lack of Knowledge ◦ Critical thinking skills ◦ In-depth knowledge of the subject
Psychological factors ◦ Avoiding conflict ◦ Feeling overawed
Do
not avoid conflict
You
are a scholar too: do not be in awe of experts
Cultural awareness
◦ Engaging with conflicting points of view ◦ Reading widely ◦ Interacting with others from a different background
Attitude
◦ Being prepared to challenge knowledge and hold a questioning attitude
Knowledge
◦ Developing critical thinking processes ◦ Having an in-depth knowledge of the subject
Discuss in your groups: ď ˝ Think one core opinion that you hold strongly. How did you come to think this way? What could cause you to change your mind? ď ˝
Sources of knowledge: Family, teachers, experience, books, lecturers, media, evidence?
Read through the three articles – two are false, one is correct
In your groups, discuss which you think is true ◦ Why do you think this is true? ◦ What further questions would you want to ask to be more convinced?
Discuss your argument with the group
What has been the toughest part of today so far? Write it down in a paragraph
Or,
How does the idea of critical thinking and questioning authority make you feel? Why do you think this is?
Developing critical thinking skills is vital both for succeeding at university and in the workplace
Critical thinking requires moving from assuming what is known to questioning that knowledge
Critical thinking requires a questioning attitude
Critical thinking is a developmental process
25th October: Critical Reading and Critiquing Research
1st November: Understanding and developing arguments
8th November: Critical Writing
Contact ASK at ask@brunel.ac.uk or chris.mcmillan@brunel.ac.uk Check out the ASK u-link/Blackboard Learn section for interactive resources
Come by our drop-ins, Monday-Friday, 12 – 2 pm and Tuesday evenings 5-7 pm