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What is Critical Thinking?
Critical thinking is a kind of thinking in which you question, analyze, interpret, evaluate and make a judgment about what you read, hear, say, or write.
The term critical comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning “able to judge or discern”. Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgments based on reliable information.
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.
The United States Department of Labor describes problem-solving and critical thinking as “the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems.” Problem-solving and critical thinking play a crucial role in the workplace.
Applying Critical Thinking
Application of critical thinking means being able to clarify your thinking so that you can break down a problem or a piece of information, interpret it and use that interpretation to arrive at an informed decision or judgment (for example designing a bridge, responding to an opinion piece or understanding a political motivation).
Critical Thinking in Daily Life
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.
Let's put your critical 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?
Click on the button located below for a video library of critical thinking and problem solving activities that you can engage in to
Developing Your Critical Thinking Skills
Monash University notes that "People who apply critical thinking consistently are said to have a critical thinking mindset, but no one is born this way. These are attributes which are learnt and improved through practice and application."
What can you do to develop your critical thinking skills? Monash University noted six key steps to developing your critical thinking skills and mindset, which include:
- Clarify your thinking purpose and context to avoid information overload and keep track of your line of thinking.
- Question your sources.
- Identify arguments.
- Analyze sources, arguments, theories and processes, and explain how they work.
- Evaluate the arguments of others.
- Create your own arguments.
Read the "Key steps to practice critical thinking skills" section provided in the article below. While reading the article make note of the skills you would like to practice in order to develop your critical thinking skills.
Click on the button located below for a video library of critical thinking and problem-solving activities that you can engage in to further develop your skills.
Critical Thinking in the Workplace
Critical thinking is important in the workplace because it helps individuals and teams more effectively recognize problems and identify possible solutions that aren't entirely obvious at first. In addition, critical thinking can help resolve conflicts in the workplace.
Importance of Practicing Critical Thinking Skills in the Workplace
According to Experteer.com, there are several benefits of practicing and applying critical thinking skills in the workplace.
- Promotes the creation of new ideas that can be used to efficiently address problems
- Fosters teamwork
- Helps develop multiple viable options and solutions
- Uncover spinoffs
- Appropriate emotional appeal
Watch the video provided below. What differences did you notice between the first approach and the second approach the employees took? What would you have done differently if you were presented with the same situation?
Practice Your Critical Thinking in the Workplace
In the article "10 Tips for Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in the Workplace," Hines (2021) noted 10 tips for problem-solving and critical thinking in the workplace. These include:
- Understand the Steps in Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Ask Basic Questions
- Practice Self-Awareness
- Think on Your Feet
- Be Creative
- Make Decisions in Stressful Situations
- Pay Attention to Detail
- Expand Your Technical Skills
- Build Critical Thinking Skills
- Improve Your Knowledge
"No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." - Voltaire
Think about it
What is the one thing you will do with what you learned in this lesson?
Make a list and include 3-5 strategies that you will use to improve your critical thinking skills.