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
- Best
thing in assessment task by him?
- Least
thing done by him?
- His position in list of grades?
- Does he notice any improvement?
- Any
change he wants in task,
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