Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking

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Critical Thinking

The importance of describing and understanding skills in critical thinking will enhance the better development of education and career advancements.    

Critical thinking is defined as “disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence”, according to the American Psychological Association (2015, Mar).  
By reading the definition, this set of skill needs to be fostered by our habits in order to have a better awareness of what it means. Former student of Psychologist Benjamin Bloom, Anderson, Lorin revised Bloom’s taxonomy of education objective that consist of levels in the critical-thinking process. Heather, C. (2008, Nov). Before we get into the levels and their meanings we must have a better understanding of the concepts of thinking critical.

The book by Ellis, D., Becoming a Master Student, (2015) (15th  Ed.) states, “It has been said that human beings are rational creatures. Yes, no one is born as an effective thinker” (p.203, para. 4). As we mature with different cultures, morals, and have our experiences, we indulge in the knowing. With those nature tendencies on making those decisions can be a testimonial in not opening up to other ideas or concepts. Thinking critical and acquiring a new set of skill by embracing the “new” is the core of critical thinking. New is what has brought us to the current technical world that is held today. If people were not open to new thinking, we would not have electricity, a combustible gas engine, and the technology we use on a daily basis.

The process in critical thinking is always ask questions and answers. By using Doctor Bloom’s taxonomy of education objective, it will led to an academic path of learning. This method contains six levels of thinking. Level one is just remembering. It’s as simple as recalling or recognizing someone or something. By practicing visual memorization, summarizing each paragraph you read, or writing down key ideas are some examples to increase remembrance. In the next level is to “understand”. This ability is to interpret what was spoken or written and elaborate on the idea. Applying (level three) is an idea or concept that could resolve the task, target, or solve the problem. Keep in mind stopping at level three does not implement critical thinking and only implements close minded for ideas. Essentially, the first three levels are the basics of learning.  In the next level, critical thinking, team work, and creativity is applied. Breaking the idea into smaller fragments is considered as analyzing (level four). Taking the ideas to conform its usefulness is evaluating. Feedback, endorse, and judgment are some of the questions to be measured in the completion of the objective. Creating is the last level of learning. Taking the ideas from level four and reapplying into a new idea contributes to a distinctive concept. This new concept can be viewed from different perspective that can be complimented or criticized. Some of the key positive outcomes could result in efficiency of productivity, cost cutting, or lesson learned.