Critical Thinking Skills: the Development and Nurturing of the Skill - Research Paper Example

Introduction “The unexamined life is not worth living” said Socrate (as cited by Kemerling, 2001) Now a day, this concept is known as Socratic principle, although the initiative of critical thinking is older then this principle. Presently, it seems as if everything is about Critical thinkers’ thinking and how they shape and convince others. No religious, social, cultural or educational system has ever survived without being questioned especially the educational system. “Education can and should do much influence social, moral and intellectual discovery by stimulating critical attitudes of thought in the young.” said Bernard Show (as cited in thinkexist.com). Critical thinking needs to be developed, taught and assessed and this has become the essence of our modern education. Cohen, Salas & Riedel (2002, p 2) point out that,” Critical thinking involves the willingness and ability, to question unreflective beliefs and accepted practices.” Critical thinking is not possible without giving the brain food for thought. The only way for this mode of thinking to grow, is through thinking material, which makes the students raise questions, congregate information and then coming down to logical solutions. Once students master the skill of thinking critically with the help of active reading, they are required jotting down their excellence of thought on the paper for others to take benefit from it, just like the way they did it while reading. The association between critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing has proven to be an effective tool in stimulating creative thought process. This is an on going process, the transfer of information is necessary and this makes critical thinking crucial to very existence of every man. The skills of critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing are valuable, for every individual, particularly for students. Interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem solving skills, writing skills, and cultural awareness are just a few of the skills and abilities that college graduates in one study rated as essential in their professional lives (Tsui, 2003, p. 321). The influence of critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing makes learning a much more enjoyable experience. Life-long learning becomes very precious in our personal and professional life. Creativity is defined as the ability to see things in a new and unusual way and to find unique solutions for different problems. College teaches us the connection between critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing and the power it gives to creative thought. The influence of critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing makes learning a much more enjoyable experience. Once mastered these skills are very valuable in our personal and professional lives. The association between critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing has proven to be an effective tool in stimulating creative thought; it forms a strong base for the coordinated works of the process of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. .Definition The name of “critical thinking” along with its definition, keeps maturing. Critical thinking is also known as analytical, creative and high-order thinking. The definition is also expanding, covering more and more aspects of human nature and its improvement. Creativity is defined as the ability to see things in a new and unusual way and to find unique solutions for different problems. College teaches us the critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing. The connection between these skills facilitates high-order thinking process and life-long learning. There are uncountable definitions of critical thinking, but this definition by Paul, R. and Elder,L (2008) defines most aspects of it. They said: Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native ego-centrism and socio-centrism. Another definition by a website devoted to the subject (www.criticalthinking.org, 2009), gives a much wider definition which covers most of the crucial components: Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief or action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.” Benefits As all the definitions of critical thinking focus on preparing the students for their real life problems and making them life-long learners rather then just training them to cope with the college issues. We all must agree that education should make us good citizens and no doubt it seems impossible without having the skills of critical thinking. These skills, to a greater extent, guarantee a bright future, in any field one desires to join, including nursing. These qualities of a critical thinker can be associated with the problem solving and intervention utilized by nurses. As nurses are continually working with communities, organizations, groups, families, or individuals, critical thinking is the most effective method possible in this chosen career field. The process is utilized “because it is very easy for a caring person to hear about a situation that needs change and immediately jump in and try to ‘do something,” (Suppes, 2003, p.59). Challenges Brahler, Quitadamo and Johnson (2002, pp 210) jotted down all the points, which influence the critical thinking skill’s development. … partially owing to large class sizes, limited budgets, time constraints that are perceived not to allow for activities that promote critical thinking, such as in-depth inquiry and small group problem solving, external pressure to prepare students to pass standardized college exams that do not require critical thought. In my situation, the constraint is of time. Teachers do not have ample time to make students critical thinkers. The quality of our thought gives our life standard. We all indulge ourselves in thinking, but much of it is vague, and bias because we are not born with the ability to think critically, rather this skill needs to be polished and nourished. The critical thinking community, 2009 wrote that, “Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.” Our educational system revolves around subject matter of the course. Most of the student’s time is consumed in understanding, evaluating and then being assessed. Sadly, during this process, we forget to educate the learners to question the material, "how to think" or critical thinking, is often so subtle that instructors fail to recognize it and students fail to realize its absence.” (critical thinking.org.2009)To think open mindedly and bring about the alternative ways of thinking to the subject matter shall be the real goal of education. Brahler, Quitadamo and Johnson (2002, pp 210) say that, Furthermore, many instructors were not educated in a manner that supported development of critical thinking skills and thus lack a clear model for how to cultivate these skills in students. We need teachers who understand and know how to make students critical thinkers. "We should be teaching students how to think. Instead, we are teaching them what to think. "Clement and Lochhead, 1980, Cognitive Process Instruction. (as cited by Schafersman, 1991.) “Trained and knowledgeable instructors are necessary to impart the proper information and skills” wrote the critical thinking community.org (2009). Once college is over, professional life requires the skill of critical thinking more then college. Looking at things, open-mindedly and with a different perspective, is very time and energy consuming. I believe this to be my greatest challenge. Since, nurses are often faced with emergency situation and they have to use the skill of critical thinking at their best because it is to save a life. A nurse cannot ignore the fact where she went wrong in handling the matter, for her conscience and professional satisfaction. Every day is a new experience for me that end up shaping my critical thinking skills and offer new thoughts and ideas. At this point in my life, I feel that there is a long way to go and the room for growth and improvement is great. Application Critical thinking skills are not only necessary for college students, who are seeking to do well and earn their degree, but are also important their professional lives, including nursing. A critical thinker raises questions to problems, expressing them clearly and precisely by gathering and assesses relevant information. For a college student this is the time when critical thinking skills begin to shape the most. Perhaps this is because “these days it is hardly possible to flip through a college catalogue without confronting the words ‘critical thinking’ among the number of skills that an institution boasts to develop in its students,” (Tsui, 2003, p.320). The curriculum and hard work of teachers might make us critical thinkers but the most crucial need is to master the skill of applying all the critical thinking to a situation. The site critical thinking.org wrote: Critical thinking calls for a persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tends. Health professions demand the skill of critical thinking, at a higher level then any other profession. Being able to meet the needs of the patient, efficiently and creatively, is imperative. The required qualities of good critical thinkers are quiet similar to human service workers. The development of these skills is an ongoing process and the requirement is never ending. It is indispensable not only for work purposes, but also for voting, family decisions, education, etc .Developing critical thinking skills does not end with one’s education, but it is a lifelong practice, which requires constant food for thought through reading material. Definition of Active Reading Most of the college life of students is spent in indulging passive activities. Critical thinking community.org (2009) has written that, “Critical thinking is an active process, while, for most students, listening to lectures is a passive activity.” To live a better and informed life, as a student and throughout, it is indispensable “to empower your reading” (Companizzi, 2005). Now the question arises that how to foster the skill of Critical thinking. The only answer is through “active reading.” Critical thinking community.org (2009) wrote that,” Critical thinking cannot be taught by lecturing. The intellectual skills of critical thinking--analysis, synthesis, reflection, etc.--must be learned by actually performing them.” A student exactly knows when he is reading actively. A small activity to judge the skill o f active reading for any students is to read two paragraphs. One is from the subject student is really interested in and the other needs to be from the subject area student has no likeness for. In the end, the student will know what happens when he is involved in the process of active reading. Nist, Olejnik & Holschuh (2002.pp, 175) said that, “Active reading feels different then reading passively. Your mind is engaged and you are actually interested in the material…” and for sure your critical thinking skills are working actively along. Raymond S. Nickerson (1987) stated, (as cited www.geocities.com/lclane2/criticalthinking.html) “an authority on critical thinking,” jotted down many characteristics of a critical thinker. As I understand it, while writing this” can learn independently and has an abiding interest in doing so,” they are emphasizing on active reading. Reading actively, is one of the highest order activity that brain processes. It is evident that it is an important and useful skill for all individuals, all over. Ashcraft and Freeman-Peck (1994. pp.96) commented that, “If the imagination powers of your students are utilized, a community of debate can be created with people…through active reading and interaction with the written material.” Benefits of Active Reading The benefits of active reading are noteworthy. Active reading is when the learner indulges himself to process information in a skillful way. Nist, Olejnik & Holschuh (2002. pp 176) said that, “check your knowledge as you read” and you exactly know where you stand with the subject matter. Active reading is not only about actively engaging with the text but also keeping up the communication and understanding of the information flow in order to create a systematic scheme of knowledge. Active reading needs involvement from the reader underlining and highlighting, noting key words, drafting questions in the text. Ashcraft and Freeman-Peck (1994. pp. 96) said that,” Materials encourage the student to ‘create’ arguments from different perspectives.” Challenges of Active Reading I feel the main challenge, faced by the students in today’s world is pointed out by Nist, Olejnik & Holschuh (2002, p.177) that, “students are focused on getting the assignment done rather then learning anything from their reading.” Reading actively is very challenging and ones understanding of the subject matter revolve around this skill. Indeed, it has its own maturity levels, which each of us pass by during our college life. As a critical thinker, when one involves him/herself in active reading, he is required to synthesize. One needs to synthesize a lot to have alternative options to look at things with different perspectives. Application of Active Reading Each of us has been involved in reading actively, at some point in life. As one cannot be a critical thinking without being trained, similarly, learners are required to use many kinds of strategies to get drawn in with the material. These strategies include; underlining and highlighting, noting key words, writing down questions, and summarizing. (http://www.jackson.k12.ky.us/readingstrategies/glossary.htm). Usually these tactics help the learner with retention and comprehension of the reading material. Nist, Olejnik & Holschuh (2002.pp, 178) mentioned another useful approach of annotation, “it is when you write key information in the margin of your text. Annotation helps you concentrate while reading and actually helps you learn from the text.” These stratagems convert the process of simple reading into the process of learning. The learner is required to master the application of these skills while reading and take the most out of it. Definition of effective writing Effective writing skills are valuable to every individual, rather Johnstone (2004, p.3) states that, “Writing is an extension of vocal expression.” We all are in need of writing something or the other each day. But writing a good paper or jotting down work related documents, are not similar. Professional writing is easier said than done, and is a obligation for most of the working class. Take health professionals as an example. Johnstone (2004, p.1) states that, “Health professionals spend many hours (sometimes as much as 20% of their working day) writing day to day professional communication.” Most of the authorities agree that every paper needs to be “well organized, clearly written, concise, and accurate” and needs to give a feeling of completeness to the reader (Companizzi, 2005).Each written piece of writing is specific that is why audience play a crucial role, like our teacher’s do. Johnstone (2004, p.xi) says that, “Writing is not just an intellectual event, but a craft, an art and science that can be learned and developed.” Indeed, if we learn this craft, the benefits will be uncountable. Benefits of effective writing Most of the basis of our assessment, as a student, depends upon our writing skill. At a personal level, as Nist, Olejnik & Holschuh (2002, p.178) points out, “writing the information down in your own words is necessary to see where you stand.” Secondly, at a community level, the transfer of your understanding is required. It can benefit others in many ways, so every individual shall write for teaching and sharing purposes. ). As a student when one decides what to do in life, he/she should prepare himself for the chosen career. If one wants to become a health professional, it should be crucial for him/her to master the skill of writing and publication. Johnstone (2004, p.2) says that, “crucial to the development of any Profession unique body of knowledge and practice in the publication” will be an intelligent move which can give security. Challenges of effective writing Each piece of writing is meant for a purpose and while writing, the writer needs to keep in mind the audience, and meeting up with their likes and dislikes, is another complication. I feel that different kinds of writings have diverse demands and mastering in all kinds of writing styles, gets very complicated for the learners. I am a fan of plain writing because it saves readers time, “time in both processing information and completing tasks result in higher productivity.” (Companizzi, 2005, p.16). At a professional level also, effective writing has its own challenges of time, research, funding and support of co-workers.(Johnstone,2004, p.4). Every professional should take time out to write. Johnstone (2004, p.9) states that,“ it is possible- despite the constraints of works and time to develop a strong publishing culture within the health profession.” Application of effective writing Companizzi (2005, p. xii) states that, “every one needs effective writing techniques to meet the needs of professional life” along with educational life. At every stage of life, “well- organized readable documents” makes one a quality student and a professional. (Companizzi, 2005, p. xii).To make a writing piece effective, the writer needs to take an account of many aspects. Different people mention different staircase of the application of effective writing skill. For some, accuracy and clarity matters, others focus on fluency and organization more. But for sure, every paper needs to give the reader a feeling of completeness. A suggestion of using a plain language by Companizzi (2005) is very popular because it makes the writing “more effective, that is, more useful to the audience.”(Companizzi, 2005, p.15). Conclusion Critical thinking skills help the individual to open up, challenge, and look at things with different perspectives and to weigh alternative possibilities. When an individual knows how to apply the critical thinking skills to reading material then obviously writing will be improved as a result. These three aspects are extremely inter-related and the progress in one skill effects the development of another skill. The entire research taking place for teaching and learning, more or less, is concerned about the development and nurturing of the skill “Critical thinking”. If once developed and cultivated in a well-manner, can help the individual through out the life. It plays a major role in making a person a good citizen, who is able to contribute to the society and play his/her role effectively. Critical thinkers are asset to the society. We need to realize how important is the active intellectual involvement of a student, for the future of the student himself as well as for the country. Time and money is needed to train the teachers in a specific manner which enhances the creative side of the students. I insist that we as individuals need to challenge authorities rather then just simply following them. Another important point to rise is that a reading culture needs to grow. I want to close my paper with this line, which will for sure give you some food for thought. Gabennesch (2006),” Is critical thinking worth the costs? Consider for a moment how costly uncritical thinking can be.” Refrences 1. Brahler, C. J., Quitadamo, I. J. & Johnson, E. C.; September (2002.) Student Critical Thinking is enhanced by developing exercise prescriptions using online learning modules. Advances in Physiology Education, 26, http://advan.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/26/3/210.pdf 2. Cengage Learning. Critical Thinking. From http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/critical.html 3. Cohen, M., Salas, E., and Riedel, S. L. (2002). Critical thinking: Challenges, possibilities and Purpose. Arlington, VA: Cognitive Technologies.  4. Companizzi. J. (2005) Effective writing for the Quality Professional. Milwaukee, WI: Wisconsin Bookwatch. 5. Foundation for Critical Thinking;( 2009). Define critical thinking. http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/define_critical_thinking.cfm 6. Gabennesch, H; (April 2006.) Critical Thinking… What is it good for? (In fact, what is it?). Skeptical Inquirer, 30, 2. http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/crit.art.pdf 7. Johnstone, M (2004). Effective writing for health professionals: A practical guide to getting published. New York: Routledge. 8. Kemerling,G.(2001).Socrates Philosphical life. www.philosophypages.com/hy/2d.htm 9. Nist, S. L., Nist-Olejnik, S. & Holschuh, J. (2002). College Rules!: How to Study, Survive, and Succeed in College. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. 10. Schafersman, S, D.; (January 1991). An Introduction to Critical Thinking. http://www.freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html 11. Prince, Michael; (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. J. Engr. Education, 93, 3. From http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/Prince_AL.pdf 12. The Open University; (August 2008.) Critical Thinking. Learning Design & Technology. Retrieved, May,6, 2009 http://www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy/critical-thinking.php 13. Think Exist; (1999-2006). 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