What is Critical Thinking? The thought process of any student should be vast, and they must be able to think on the spot once any issue arises. Before we continue,
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments in order to form a judgement by the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluation. The application of critical thinking includes self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective habits of the mind, thus a critical thinker is a person who practices the skills of critical thinking or has been trained and educated in its disciplines. Philosopher Richard W. Paul said that the mind of a critical thinker engages the person’s intellectual abilities and personality traits. Critical thinking presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use in effective communication and problem solving, and a commitment to overcome egocentrism and sociocentrism.
Characteristics of a critical thinker
A critical thinker has different characteristic, some of them include:
01. Observant:
A critical thinker should always observe the situation before making his/her judgement. He should not only focus on the cause of the problem but also look into available facts and evidences related to the problem.
02. Analytical:
A critical thinker must be a good analyzer. Problems will be solved through proper
analysis and not by mere looking or reading. A critical thinker needs to check all
connecting cases on a particular issues so as to bring about the best solution.
03. Quick judgment:
A critical thinker should not waste time while making judgments. He should be able to
make quick judgement after carefully analyzing and observing the situation and not just
the whole day on a particular case, as there are other cases that he needs to attend to.
04. Objective:
A critical thinker should be objective. He should solve the case based on what he see
and not on what someone told him. He should be able to properly understand the
problem by reading all cases related to him and not seeking validation from outsider on the
case to avoid being bias-minded.
05. Inquisitive:
A critical thinker should be inquisitive, he should learn to ask questions about problems.
He can meet up with people who are having problems, ask them questions and
not just by him observing and analyzing.
Importance of Critical Thinking
01. Confidence:
Critical thinking enables us to think independently, conduct the necessary research, and solve difficulties using our reasoning process, which will increase our confidence. Additionally, It offers the individual assurance that he is highly intelligent.
02. Independence:
Critical thinking breeds independence because the thought process is done alone.
Instead of doing study group or peer tutoring, you can think on your own without seeking
the help of your classmates or friends. This helps you become better and allows you to
do your tasks alone.
03. Self-empowerment:
Self-empowerment is the ability to empower yourself with anything but in this case, it is
the ability to empower yourself with critical thinking. You have the ability to think critically
in any situation and this will help you further in any aspect of life you find yourself in.
Conclusion
It is important for students to have skills that will help them navigate all aspects of life. Critical thinking is one of those skills that will enable them achieve this.
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