What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking means making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out.
It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to, but rather you challenge how you think about things, consider new perspectives/ideas, and then reach conclusions.
“Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking while you’re thinking in order to make your thinking better.” – Richard W. Paul
Real-world Critical Thinking
"We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein
Let's put your thinking to the test
- Did you struggle to figure out a solution?
- Did you require help from others to figure it out?
- How long did you stick to finding a solution before moving forward and finding out the answer?
Imagine you are cruising down the freeway when your phone alerts you to an incoming text. What are your choices and which would you choose?
- Do you look at the text while driving and risk getting into an accident?
- Do you ignore the text and risk not responding to a possibly urgent matter?
- Do you pull over to read the text and risk being late to your appointment?
- Do you make another choice not listed here? What is it?
The ability to examine your potential actions and the consequences of those actions, will help you make the best choice.
What would you do?
You work in a deli. Your busiest time of the day is the lunch hour rush when many working people from nearby factories and businesses come to grab something quick. A new fast food restaurant is opening up next door to you. How can you avoid losing your lunch customers to this new competitor?
Practice Your Critical Thinking in...
Social Studies: Do you believe the world could exist without the concept of material wealth? How would it be different than it is now?
English Language Arts: Is there a form of communication you consider to be unnecessary? What is it and why don't you think we need it?
The Arts: Why do societies need art and creativity to survive, or do they?
Mathematics: When is the “correct” answer not the best solution?
Science: Is technological progress inevitable so long as humans exist, or can it ever be stopped? Should it be stopped?
Ethics: What do you believe should be the laws that govern social media? Why and how would you enforce these laws for the good of all?
Health & Wellness: How does being healthy affect our relationships with others?
"No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." - Voltaire
Explore the K12 Career Education Navigator
The K12 Career Technical Education (CTE) Navigator helps you explore high school courses and career pathways offered across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Browse by industry sector, county, school district, and more to find options that match your interests and career goals and see how these pathways can prepare you for college, certifications, apprenticeships, or the workforce.
Credits:
Created with images by Dollar Gill - "untitled image" • Unknown - "Free photo: Think, Man, Curious, Thinking - Free Image on ..." • Danika Perkinson - "untitled image" • melissa mjoen - "untitled image" • Christina @ wocintechchat.com - "untitled image" • You X Ventures - "untitled image" • Van Thanh - "untitled image" • Emily Morter - "Where is the love sung by The Black Eye Peas recreated in a tunnel underpass."