Characteristics of Critical Thinkers
- They are honest with themselves
- They resist manipulation
- They overcome confusion
- They ask questions
- They base judgments on evidence
- They look for connections between subjects
- They are intellectually independent
Ask yourself the following questions as you read:
- What is the topic of the book or reading?
What issues are addressed?
- What conclusion does the author reach about the issue(s)?
- What are the author's reasons for his or her statements or belief?
Is the author using facts, theory, or faith?
Facts can be proven
Theory is to be proved and should not be confused with fact
Opinions may or may not be based on sound reasoning
Faith is not subject to proof by its nature
- Has the author used neutral words or emotional words?
Critical readers look beyond the language to see if the reasons are clear
- Be aware of why you do, or do not, accept arguments of the author
Flash exercise contributed by
Jennifer Kelly and Dr. Brad Hokanson, Interactive Media (DHA 4384)
School of Design, University of Minnesota.
See also:
Ruth Sunda & Kyrene de las Brisas:
Bloom’s Critical Thinking/Questioning Strategies
(9/26/02)
Wakefield, D.V., From a paper to the
Governor's Teaching
Fellows, Athen,s Georgia, November 19, 1998.
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