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Below is a list and description
of the CT (Critical Thinking) skills that are emphasized in the ISSUES
class as well as in all of my other classes. It is my belief that
becoming proficient in these skills will help students both now and in
their future.
IDENTIFYING EVIDENCE: To identify evidence so to support a claim, look for and if possible, verify facts for accuracy.
IDENTIFYING CAUSE AND EFFECT: What happens is an effect. Any person, condition, or event that makes something happen is a cause. Many effects have more than one cause, and a cause may have several effects.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN FACTS AND VALUE JUDGMENTS: A fact is a statement that can be proven accurate. A value judgment may be based on fact, but it also includes the point of view of the writer/speaker.
MAKING COMPARISONS: This is determining how two or more objects, people, events or situations are alike or how they are different.
MAKING PREDICTIONS: Predicting
what is likely to happen if a certain action is taken. The steps
you should take include:
(1) Define the situation. What
people re involved? What alternatives exist? (2) Determine
the background of the situation. What factors caused the present
situation? (3) Determine what has happened in similar situations in the
past. (4) Consider all of these factors to make a prediction.
MAKING GENERALIZATIONS: Broad statements about a topic that are drawn from detailed facts. Generalizations should include words such as MOST OF THE TIME, OFTEN, IN GENERAL OR USUALLY.
INTERPRETING POINTS OF VIEW: When you offer someone your opinion about a particular subject, you are presenting your point of view. Points of view are based on a person's experience, knowledge, and the influence of others.
RECOGNIZING FALLACIES IN A LINE OF REASONING: A fallacy is a false or mistaken idea. When faulty information is part of the reasoning process, the conclusion is likely to be incorrect.
DISTINGUISHING RELEVANT FROM IRRELEVANT INFORMATION: Relevant information defines, explains, or illustrates the main topic/idea in a written or oral presentation, while irrelevant information has no relationship to the main topic or idea. Identify the main idea of the piece. Determine what relationship, if any, exists between the main topic and other information.
MAKING INFERENCES: Making an inference is using available information as evidence to draw a conclusion. It means making an educated guess based on personal knowledge/experience. To be valid, an inference should be the logical result of a reasoning process based on known facts.
DETECTING BIAS: When you hear/read information...it is important to determine whether that information is factual or is based...that is, influenced by the writer's/speaekr's personal views or emotions. Consider these questions: (1) Do the words appeal to the emotions rather than state facts. (2) Does the information contain exaggerations? (3) Do the words seem to twist or ignore facts? (4) Does the presenter express a preference for a person, group, or idea.
RECOGNIZING STEREOTYPES: Stereotypes depict all members of a group as being alike, without individual differences. Stereotypes are usually exaggerations and are not based on facts. They affect the way we behave toward other people/groups. WATCH FOR: Statements that include limiting or all-inclusive words such as: EVERY, ALL, ANY and ALWAYS. Identify vague or over generalized words/phrases. Many stereotypes contain words that are either extremely positive or negative. Look for illogical connections/ideas, that do not make sense when linked together.
RECOGNIZING PROPAGANDA: Propaganda is a type of communication that is used to shape and manipulate people's ideas and actions. Propaganda relies on exaggeration/distortion rather than truth to convey messages. It usually appeals to emotion rather than reason.