In the audiogram (mini podcast) our Learning Development Mentors help students with their studying dilemmas. In this episode a student asks "What is Critical Thinking?" The response is based on resources that can be found on the Critical Thinking section of the
skills hub.
Transcript:
Hi! Rebecca
here, a UON Learning Development Mentor. I’m also a student at the university, and I’m
here to share my top Uni tips with you
today! Let’s
dive right into it with today’s theme of: Exposed: Is this for real?
Getting Critical. So let’s get an answer to today’s burning
student question. "What is Critical Thinking?"
Critical thinking is the
ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection
between ideas. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive
recipient of information. Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas and assumptions
rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine
whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are
open to discover more.
The skills that we need in
order to be able to think critically are varied and include observation,
analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation,
problem solving, and decision making.
Specifically, we need to
be able to:
Think about a
topic or issue in an objective and critical way.
Identify the different
arguments there are in relation to a particular issue.
Evaluate a
point of view to determine how strong or valid it is.
Recognise any
weaknesses or negative points that there are in the evidence or argument.
Notice what
implications there might be behind a statement or argument.
Provide
structured reasoning and support for an argument that we wish to make.
Don’t forget, answers to more
questions, links to show notes, resources and more are all available on the
Skills Hub. Simply type skills hub Northampton into google and away you go!