How Can We Develop Critical Thinkers?

“Everything flows.” (Panta rei.)

(Brookfield, S.D. (1987). Developing Critical Thinkers, Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco.)

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Model critical thinking: Clarity Consistency Openness Communicativeness Specificity Accessibility

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Critical thinkers (1)

reject standardized formats for problem solving

consider a range of related and divergent fields

take multiple perspectives on a problem

view the world as relative and contextual rather than universal and absolute

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Critical thinkers (2)

view the world as relative and contextual rather than universal and absolute

frequently use trial-and-error methods in their experimentation with alternative approaches

have a future orientation

have trust in their own judgment

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Techniques for Imagining Alternatives

Brainstorming Envisioning Alternative Futures Developing Preferred Scenarios Futures Invention Esthetic Triggers

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Brainstorming is an exercise in structured

spontaneity:

Actively thinking of as many varied, even outrageous, ideas as you can

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Brainstorming rules

• the most outrages ideas may contain kernels of truths that can be extracted in the process of analysis

• as many ideas as possible (quantity => quality)

• build upon, integrate and develop upon ideas already voiced => analysis

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Envisioning Alternative Futures:

Creating in one’s mind an image of the desired future organizational state that can serve as a guide to interim strategies, decisions and behaviors

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Critical thinking comprises two interrelated processes

(1) Identifying and challenging assumptions (2) Imagining and exploring alternatives Note that, what frequently happens is that one

process occurs without the other: critical of the assumptions not stopping to suggest alternatives; or, inventing multiple alternatives without stopping to analyze critically the assumptions underlying these.

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Critical thinking is a continuous process composed of alternating phases of reflecting on a problem or theme testing new solutions, strategies, or

methods on the basis of that reflection reflecting on the success of these actions in

particular contexts, and further honing, refining, and adapting these

actions according to alternative contexts

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The central point: Thinking is an action

The action phases of critical thinking may be

– internal (mental) or

– external (behavioral)

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More about Critical Thinking

• Processes of critical thinking are person-specific

• Emotions are central to critical thinking

• Intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for thinking critically are both important

• Critical insight often occurs unexpectedly

• Peer support is crucial to thinking critically

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Facilitating Critical Thinking

There is no standard model of facilitating critical thinking

Diversity in methods and materials is necessary

Perfection is impossible Learner satisfaction is not the sole aim of

critical thinking Risk taking is important

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Modeling Risk Taking

Risk taking is essential in the process of critical thinking; specific to the context

For example, ... the ability to make informed departures

from the script of a carefully planned lesson

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Modeling Assumption Analysis

Critically analyzing assumptions is one of the most difficult of all capacities to model, since it entails a willingness to scrutinize one’s existing givens - an activity that can frequently be threatening and anxiety - producing

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Atmosphere of Trust

Building an atmosphere of trust between teacher and students • the teacher models openness, honesty,

and integrity

• students sense that the teacher’s word can be relied upon; that she is not attempting to keep from them information about informal organizational norms or prejudices

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Developing critical Thinking as Learning Conversation

• Good conversations are reciprocal and involving

• The course of good conversation cannot be anticipated

• Good conversations entail diversity and disagreement

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Critical thinking is

a productive and positive activity

a process, not an outcome

triggered by positive as well as negative events

emotive as well as rational

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Manifestations of critical thinking vary according to the context in which occurs

Example:

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Components of critical thinking Identifying and challenging assumptions is

central to critical thinking Challenging the importance of context is

crucial to critical thinking Critical thinkers try to imagine and explore

alternatives Imagining and exploring alternatives leads to

reflective skepticism

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Learning Contract (750i) - Mode of Alternative Assessment

A title for the project A statement of purposes and objectives A description of resources (for example, experts, colleagues, books,

videos, computer software, internet) A summary of methods (for example, literature reviews, interviews,

questionnaires, observations) A specification of criteria for assessment A specification of indicators for judging whether or not these criteria

have been met A description of data collection techniques by which evaluative

evidence will be collected A self-evaluation