5 - Thinking in College

College-Level Thinking: Higher and Deeper

• Critical thinking is thoughtful consideration of information, ideas, observations, and arguments you encounter
• Instructors in college expect you to engage in a higher level of thinking
• Questions that suggest complex answers engage you in the process of deep thinking
• It is important to challenge assumptions and conclusions, even those from so-called experts
• This requires you to construct knowledge rather than simply receive it from others

Problem Solving in and out of Class

• Success depends on how well you make decisions and solve problems
• College represents a time in life when you get to know yourself

Making a Choice between Slow and Fast Thinking

• Fast thinking has its place, but improving slow and logical thinking abilities allows you to become a better learner

People who do not develop thinking skills make spur-of-the moment decisions based on:

• What seems easiest
• What results in the least conflict
• What conforms to preconceived notions

Slow Thinking

• Slow thinkers use critical-thinking skills
• Examine problems
• Discover new information
• Question authorities and traditional beliefs
• Make independent judgments
• Develop creative solutions

Collaboration

• Practicing with other people can help you become a better critical thinker
• Feedback helps you see the possible flaws in your own position or approach
• When multiple students are involved in the learning process, they generate more ideas
• Creative brainstorming and group discussion encourage original thought

Creativity

• Our society is full of creative individuals who think outside the box, challenge the status quo, or ask questions that others are not asking
• A single thought can have a ripple effect that leads to major progress

Becoming a Critical Thinker

• Asking questions

Considering multiple points of view:

• Be fair and open-minded to all ideas
• Develop your own viewpoint based on credible evidence and facts

Drawing conclusions:

• Examine the outcome of your inquiry in a more demanding, critical way

Making arguments:

• An argument is a calm, reasoned effort to persuade someone of the value of an idea
• It is important to consider multiple points of view
• Use critical thinking to determine if an argument is valid

Challenging assumptions and beliefs:

• College is a time to challenge your assumptions and beliefs and to think critically about ideas you have always had

Examining evidence:

• Ask questions about the quality of evidence
• What is the general idea behind the argument?
• Are good and sufficient reasons given?
• Are those reasons backed up with evidence?
• Does the evidence support the conclusions?
• Is the argument based on logical reasoning?
• Do I recognize any questionable assumptions?
• Can I think of any counterarguments?
• What do I know about the people or organizations making the argument?
• What credible sources support the information?

Recognizing and avoiding faulty reasoning, such as:

• Appealing to false authority
• Assuming that something is true because it hasn’t been proven false
• Attacking the person
• Begging
• Falling victim to a false cause
• Jumping on a bandwagon
• Making hasty generalizations
• Slippery slope

Applying Bloom’s taxonomy

Bloom’s taxonomy and the first year of college:

• Your level of comprehension and reflection will deepen during your first year in college
• It’s often the framework instructors use to design classroom activities and assignments
• The framework will move you to a deeper understanding and an ability to apply what you learn

Tech Tip: Use Your Critical-Thinking Skills in Conducting Research

• Start with good questions
• Go to the library
• Use databases
• Use a variety of locations to confirm information
• Consider the quality of the information