What is Critical Thinking?
Critical Thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-
corrective thinking. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities. It
is the ability to analyze the way you think and present evidence for your ideas, rather
than simply accepting your reasoning as sufficient proof.
Critical Thinking skills teach a variety of skills that can be applied to any situation in life
that calls for reflection, analysis, and planning. You can gain numerous benefits from
mastering critical thinking skills, such as better control of your learning and empathy
for other points of view.
Increasingly more and more employers are seeking employees with good thinking and
communication skills. Employees who learn quickly and can solve problems, think
creatively, gather and analyze information meaningfully are valuable assets to any
organization. Job interviewers often ask applicants questions that test their ability to
think critically. Critical thinking skills may also be a deciding factor when an employee
seeks a promotion.
Benefits of Critical Thinking – What does it do?
a) It promotes logical reasoning: The ability to think clearly and rationally
is important whatever we choose to do. Being able to think well and solve
problems systematically is an asset for any career.
b) It promotes higher-order thinking skills the new growth phase places
increasing demands on flexible intellectual skills, and the ability to
analyze information and integrate diverse sources of knowledge in
solving problems. Good critical thinking promotes such thinking skills and
is very important in the fast-changing workplace.
c) It enhances our communication skills: Thinking clearly and
systematically can improve the way we express our ideas. In learning how
to analyze the logical structure of texts, Critical thinking also improves
comprehension abilities.
d) It promotes creativity: To come up with a creative solution to a problem
involves not just having new ideas. It must also be the case that the new
ideas being generated are useful and relevant to the task. Critical
thinking plays a crucial role in evaluating new ideas, selecting the best
ones, and modifying them if necessary
e) It is an important tool for self-reflection: To live a meaningful life and
to structure our lives accordingly, we need to justify and reflect on our
values and decisions. Critical thinking provides the tools for this process
of self-evaluation.
f) It is the foundation of science and liberal democratic society: Science
requires the critical use of reason in experimentation and theory
confirmation. The proper functioning of a liberal democracy requires
citizens who can think critically about social issues to inform their
judgments about proper governance and to overcome biases and
prejudice.
Traits of a Critical Thinker
The following are the traits of a Critical Thinker. Say every word aloud and let students
interact about each word.
• Adapt
• Examine
• Create
• Communicate
• Collaborate
• Reflect
• Strive
• Link
• Inquire
Channelize the interaction and contribute as and when required.
