Using Critical Thinking Strategies

Using Critical Thinking Strategies

As Critical thinking is a way to enhance the studying ability. So, a study, must know how to develop critical thinking. There are different strategies for using Critical thinking such as examining assumptions, making predictions etc.  Let's know them one by one.

1.      Examine your Assumption

Assumption is the innovative and vital part of critical thinking. An assumption is basically a guess or idea which is supposed to be true. For examining your assumption you can,

·        Brain storm a list of assumptions by posing questions from yourself  

• Which things are true for situation?
•   What we have to do?
•  What we can’ do?
• Review the data which is collected for assumptions

·        After generating the list of assumptions now, have a group discussions to overcome those ideas

•       Give 3 assumptions to a group member and ask him to find a solution
•         You must know that you have to think like a revolutionary
•           Never over judge your assumption
•          Keep this thing in mind that assumption can be true or false

 

2.      Make Predictions

It’s a strategy in which a student or learner will use information of text like title, headings, pictures and diagrams etc. He will also use his own experience to predict about a topic. There are certain facts about student’s prediction.

•       Comfortable with fiction as compare to nonfiction
•   Easy with narrative text instead of informative

A student can predicts the ideas about a topic if he is introduced to

•         Time management
•         Modelling
•         Practice of text reading
•        Background knowledge about the topic

 

3.      Read with a Purpose

Before jumping into reading of a text, a student must know the purpose of it. It will help you to apt the method of reading.  There can be different purposes of a reading such as

•         Practical application
•         Pleasure or enjoyment
•        Overview
•        To get a central idea
•        To develop detailed understanding
•        Critical analysis of text

 

4.      Sharpen your Interpretation

Interpretation of data is an important aspect of critical thinking. You can interpret data in different ways.

·        Be familiar with all types of question

Questions are of different types, like tables, charts and graphs. First of all, you have to note down the key points. Adapt the habit of reading by newspaper, articles etc.  Then, start analysing the text by reading it thoroughly. At last build a logical link between the  sentences.

·        Work on Interpretation speed

For it, you must have the knowledge of time management. Try to make interpretation in short time period. But keep this in your mind that don’t be too harry, it can lead to misinterpretation.

5.      Find implications in what you learn

While working, solution of a problem is not enough. There are certain other things to consider as well like the implications of your result or learning. In which ways this can help you. You can find implications by

•   Finding similarities and differences between ideas 
•   Learning and practice
•   Themes are common or not
•    Focus on things that are meaningful

 

6.      Read and Understand Graphics

Understanding of graphs is also important strategy for critical thinking. There are few tips for understanding of graphics.

·        Length is easy than area

As length is easy to measure instead of area. So, it’s good to interpret the data from bar graph as compare to pie chart if you want to compare the individual values. These charts also have good visual perception for reader. It’s easy to compare and contrast things through bar charts.

·        3D Graphics

Perception of 3D is also important in understanding graphics. 3D Graphics are considered as modern way of representation. An important aspect to remember is that lengths and areas can’t be represented in these graphs. It can lead to misinterpretation in case if area.

·        Visual presentation

Organization of data is also important, it’s better to first analyse the visual images of topic. You must know the different patterns of text. When the text is more than images then you have to analyse the information by the pattern of letter F. In case of more images follow the tendency of letter Z.

·        Images and letters

Though the images matter but we can’t neglect the importance of letters as well. While analysing you will come to know about the figures or letters written on the side of the graph. These letters also help in understanding. If the same format is used across the graph the  it’s easier to understand. Fonts should also be readable.

7.      Evaluate what you learn

A student, must know the art of self assessment. He can perform well academically when he learns to

•        Evaluate progress
•        Critical analyse
•        Identify gaps between understanding
•        Improve performance
•       Think critically

A student can evaluate his learning through 

•  Online quizzes
•   Grade analysis
•  Sharing main  points
• Participation in class
•  Group discussions
•  Making good assignments
•   Visiting blogs or journals

A student can ask different questions from himself

1.  Best thing in assessment task by him?
2. Least thing done by him?
3. His position in list of grades?
4.  Does he notice any improvement?
5. Any change he wants in task,