Critical Thinking

interpreting: understanding the significance

of data and to clarify its meaning
analysing: breaking information down and
recombining it in different ways
reasoning: creating an argument through
logical steps
evaluating: judging the worth, credibility or
strength of accounts.
 Why is critical thinking important at
university?
In general, students who develop critical
thinking skills are more able to
achieve better marks
become less dependent on teachers and
textbooks
create knowledge
evaluate, challenge and change the
structures in society
 Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and
rationally. It includes the ability to engage in
reflective and independent thinking. Someone
with critical thinking skills is able to do the
following :
understand the logical connections between
ideas
identify, construct and evaluate arguments
detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in
reasoning
solve problems systematically
identify the relevance and importance of ideas
reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs
and values
 mental process of actively and skillfully
conceptualizing,
applying,
analyzing,
synthesizing,
and evaluating information to reach an
answer or conclusion