Critical thinking | Learning resources | Institute for Academic Development Advice and resources on the subject of critical thinking. Why is being critical important? It affects your academic success: if you wish to achieve higher grades, being able to take an informed and analytical approach to your studies is very important. Simply memorising and explaining concepts and ideas will not be sufficient for a strong pass at masters level. It affects your employability: one of the main reasons students undertake postgraduate study is to improve their employment prospects. What do we mean by ‘critical’? Being ‘critical’ does not mean just being negative, or pointing out what is wrong about something. You can find out more about the framework at : SCQF level descriptors (PDF) Taking a critical approach in your studies and professional development can include behaviours such as: You can find out more about being critical in your studies in the following factsheets: Critical thinking ‘stairway’ Critical thinking: online guidance from the Open University Further reading
Visionlearning Critical reading techniques You will probably find that there is a lot of reading required for your module. Like many students, you might find that you are time-poor and you will, therefore, need to be speedy and efficient in your reading. This section will help you become an efficient reader and information processor. Covered in this section How to read efficientlyHow to read actively in an engaged wayCritically processing what you read25 mins to complete this sectionVideo (3)Audio (4) Reading university texts requires a more strategic approach from that used when you read for pleasure. Making notes is an essential part of the reading process. Make sure you are comfortable Finding the right space and time to read in is important Find a comfortable and quiet place to read, where you will not be disturbed or interrupted.
Critical thinking Critical thinking is a type of clear, reasoned thinking. According to Beyer (1995) Critical thinking means making clear, reasoned judgements. While in the process of critical thinking, ideas should be reasoned and well thought out/judged.[1] The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking defines critical thinking as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action Etymology[edit] In the term critical thinking, the word critical, (Grk. κριτικός = kritikos = "critic") derives from the word critic, and identifies the intellectual capacity and the means "of judging", "of judgement", "for judging", and of being "able to discern".[3] Definitions[edit] According to the field of inquiry [weasel words], critical thinking is defined as: Skills[edit] Procedure[edit]