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