Critical Thinking and Critical Perspectives

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking describes the process by which students become aware of two sets of assumptions.  First, students investigate the assumptions held by scholars in a field of study regarding the way legitimate knowledge is created and advanced in that field.  Second, students investigate their own assumptions and the way these frame their own thinking and actions.  A person who thinks critically is much better placed to take informed actions; actions that are well grounded in evidence and that are more likely to achieve the results intended.

Critical thinking defined –the ability to assess your assumptions, beliefs, and actions-is imperative to survival; failure to engage in it makes you a target of those who may wish to harm or manipulate you (Brookfield, S.D., 2012b).

                                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzV1pNQUX5s

Taking Critical Action in the Classroom

Thinking is an action and moving our thinking into mindful and timely intervention is key to critical matters (Hooks, 2010).  Critical thinking causes learners to begin questioning their assumptions, which in turn allows them to see injustice in the world.

To help learners take critical action, we can create micro opportunities during formal instruction to enact learners’ newfound ability to apply critical theory and thinking.  These type of activities include dialogical conversation, following democratic principles in the classroom, modeling critical approaches as the instructor, or addressing classroom dynamics that illustrate oppression or dominant ideology (Merriam & Bierema., 2014). 

http://www.stephenbrookfield.com/Dr._Stephen_D._Brookfield/Visuals.html 

References

Brookfield, S.D.  (2012b).  Teaching for critical thinking: Tools and techniques to help students question their assumptions.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Hooks, B. (2010).  Teaching critical thinking: Practical wisdom.  New York: Routledge.

Merriam, S.B. & Bierema, L.L. (2014). Adult learning:  Linking theory and practice.  San Francisco, CA:  Jossey-Bass.