Critical thinking #2

You now have a good understanding of what critical thinking is and how you can approach it using a critical thinking model. Let’s focus on what critical thinking means in a university context.

As you have explored, thinking critically is an important skill. Without it, you would not make important social, economic and technological advances. This is why, at university, developing your critical thinking skills is a key aspect of any degree programme.

Universities look for innovative solutions to global problems. As a student you are part of this exciting research community. While academics are experts in their fields, it is important to remember that you are not a passive learner who is just there to listen and absorb everything the academic says. An enjoyable and key part of university is being an active learner, and a significant part of this involves thinking critically. Critical thinking does not mean just having a negative viewpoint or always disagreeing. Thinking critically at university helps you to:

raise relevant questions about what you read and hear rather than just accepting things as indisputable fact

interpret and make connections between different sources of information and evaluate its significance to your assessments

examine evidence and arguments and come to your own conclusions

construct your own evidence-based arguments

apply what you are learning to different contexts

evaluate different potential solutions to problems

raise your own research questions later in your degree.

Not only is critical thinking an integral part of successfully completing most assignments at university, it also enables you to enjoy a much deeper learning experience. Thinking critically can help you become a more independent learner, which is a lifelong asset.

Have your say:

What are you enjoying and most looking forward to about thinking critically in your discipline or area of interest?

What are you least looking forward to?

Share and discuss your thoughts with other learners in the Comments.

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