Developing skills of critical analysis - Essay Example

?Justification of texts used The texts chosen for the essay have been selected keeping in view the i.e. developing skills of critical analysis and focusing on the role of education in the development of these skills. In order to fully understand the relationship between the two, the sources of information I chose include journal articles, studies conducted by institutions and individuals and also research work on the importance of these skills and educations role in its development in the modern world today. (Doughty, 2007) in his study of the critical analysis skills, gives a very thorough knowledge on the subject, keeping in view the modern worlds requirements and also by focusing more on the educational aspect, that plays an important role in the development of these skills in the individuals. I believe the point of view presented in the study is good blend of both the basics of the critical analysis skills and explanation of educations impact in a good yet criticizing way, thus emphasizing on its relative importance. The techniques and alternatives described serve as a useful means to consider the developing of these skills at a large level and inculcating these skills in the students through education thus making a complete system. (Wallace, 2009) is an influential writer and has written many books for NASA. Her insight on the subject is very interesting as she provides a modern view on critical analysis skills. The discussion and views expressed in the article tend to focus on how individuals perceive information and how two different points of views are made and understood. This is where the importance of critical analysis and thinking is felt and realized that it is something which needs to be practiced and an individual needs to be skilled in it thus expressing his views in a more meaningful way. Moreover the point raised in the article is very prominent that like other skills that are measured and are thought to be meaningful, critical analysis skills should be given such importance as well. I agree with this point, that once the education system tries to adopt this approach, the individuals would be in a better position to practice these skills and this would help in their social up-bringing and overall betterment of the society as a whole. The study by (Facione, 1990) is a comprehensive report that concentrates on the importance of critical thinking and analysis skills using an appropriate research methodology and thus defining the skills requirement for critical analysis. The study also proposes recommendations as to how the education system can adopt certain methods and techniques so as to develop these skills and nurture the dispositions that can help in yielding positivity among the individual to inquire about their surroundings and interpret meaningful results. (Staff, 2005) gives a reasonable argument in the article that it is the educational philosophy and the student evaluation criteria in the education system that is not letting the skills of critical analysis being developed in students. It also discusses the importance of these skills for the students today and how the education system is affecting it, thus making the students suffer a great deal. The experimental study conducted by (Paul, Elder, & Bartell, 1995) to evaluate the meaningfulness of the critical analysis skills in the education sector revealed very interesting facts. The claims that the education sector should adopt measures for the development of the critical analysis skills in the students, the teachers themselves are not aware of the critical thinking and analysis skill. This definitely raises concerns that how the education system should be changed so that it becomes the practice, or norm in teaching. Developing skills of critical analysis Critical analysis is an important cognitive tool that is required in this modern world to be abreast with the world in contemplating ideas, assumptions, and actions in a reasonable and logical context. In this essay I would be discussing the importance of critical analysis skills, the steps involved in developing this important skill and the role education plays in it. In the society we live in we come across many problems relating to the ethical, economic and ecological factors and give justifications of these problems to technology, the media and the society, however what we tend to ignore is the reality or factors that lead to such issues in the society (Doughty, 2007) This is where the importance of critical analysis skills is felt, critically analyzing something does not involve finding the negatives however it clarifies the goals, the thinking and reasoning and helps in proper evaluation, assessment of the argument or the subject in question. It entails one’s judgment, perceptions on what to believe and what not to and how to respond in a reasonable and reflective way. In simple words it is a way to respond and take up the challenges of life by using a logical, step by step approach to break down complex problems in small parts and then individually assessing and identifying the causes for each to reach at an appropriate solution (Wikipedia) Every individual needs the basic necessities to survive in the society or the world at large. These necessities include food, shelter, clothing and one most important necessity is education. Education is vital today, as with this one can achieve the other basic necessities. Although much is talked about the importance of education at various levels, however it still hasn’t gained much value as it should have. The blame on state of the education today cannot be put on the teachers alone or the students however there is a dire need of change in the educational philosophy itself. The current educational practice is of making students memorize the course work believing that those who learn and memorize things and are tested on them will remember, their learning is complete (Staff, 2005) The situation of the education philosophy today, makes the importance of critical analysis felt. It is critical analysis skills that enable the students to not only understand what they learn but also gives them a broad scope of building their knowledge around the subject without much guidance. It enables them to build their knowledge base on their own rather than just memorizing the contents. Those who possess critical analysis skills are in a better position to understand things, by questioning the realities and thus giving their own opinions. The use of sources of knowledge, the logic involved and understanding the point of views makes their exploration of issues, discussions meaningful and productive. Like the old adage “Charity Begins at home”, similarly in theory the development of this skill is associated with education, thus fostering intellectual capabilities, rational thinking and reasoning (Wallace, 2009). Although education is considered the prime factor in developing critical analysis skills, however according a study conducted by the Center for Critical Thinking in 1995 presented a very different picture. The researcher under the study questioned 140 professors from the public and private universities in California and found out that majority (89%) claimed that critical thinking and analysis was primary objective of their course of instruction, but only 19% of them could actually explain the phenomenon of critical thinking and analysis, hence they concluded that only 9% actually were practicing critical thinking in their class (Paul, Elder, & Bartell, 1995). According to the study, and the literature available on the subject it can be said that educational background plays an important role in the development of the analysis and thinking skills as it requires you to think analytically and this practice of thinking analytically enables the individual to become a critical thinker and analyzing and interpreting information more logically. The development of analysis, problem solving and reasoning skills start at an early stage thus, bring the concept in practice, as the individual learning phases grow. This inculcation of the habit of analytical thinking would lead to the analysis of every situation critically and gradually acquiring of the critical analysis skills. Similarly, the curriculum should be designed in such a way that it can help in building the crtical analysis skills. Like in the UK education system in the A-levels, critical thinking is offered as a subject and it test the individual’s ability to critically analyze arguments and to provide their own judgment and arguments. Similarly at the University level a lot of tests are based on the critical analysis skills thus evaluating the candidates on the logic they use for the arguments and how they build their opinions. In addition to the curriculum, a lot of other exercises can be adopted in developing this skill, involving different mind and thinking games, enhancing the thinking abilities of the individual. This could include: Text Analysis: This exercise entails a textual passage that is given in the form of the occurrences of a story and the individuals are asked to explain the connection between the events in a logical way and prescribe a title for the passage. In this way the individual thinks critically, analyzes every occurrence in a logical way and uses reasoning. Using Socratic thinking, a complex problem is put forth and the individuals have to analyze the concepts, distinguish between the facts and assumptions and have to come up with the best solution. This method helps in triggering the thinking process. Think-Out-Of-The-Box is another common, yet effective approach in developing this skill, by using various creative approaches such as the puzzles and questions, the creative thinking and analysis is encouraged among the students. Developing critical analysis skills not only means to think analytically but it also require to take a step by step approach in analyzing a problem or a solution and then to reach at the root of the matter and to come up with an optimal solution. Thus understanding and analysis of the matter is of utmost importance (Oak) As discussed in the earlier paragraphs, critical analysis is purposeful; it helps in interpretation, analysis and evaluation of the situation, events and problems. Its importance in the educational context is evident and is considered one of the useful resources in an individual’s personal and social life. Development of critical analysis enables an individual in being inquisitive, open-minded, flexible and prudent in making any judgments along with taking a multidimensional approach to inquire, evaluate the relevant information in order to deal with complex issues and reaching at appropriate solutions. Thus, the prominent role of education in developing the critical analysis skills would help nurture the skills and build those characteristics in the individual that are necessary in today’s modern world (Facione, 1990) In the words of Jean Piaget I conclude my essay; he said “The principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done — men who are creative, inventive and discoverers. The second goal of education is to form minds which can be critical, can verify, and not accept everything they are offered.” This saying reflects the role education plays in the nurturing of the human brain by providing the foundations to distinguish between the facts and reach for inferences and raise judgments accordingly. Critical analysis encourages build knowledge around the subject and giving the confidence to give opinion and views. Critical Analysis skills don’t get valued as other skills do in our everyday life, or in education. However for the professional growth of every individual, and to make ourselves more open-minded and flexible by intriguing the brain can help each individual in being an informed and perceptive individual in the modern world.       References Doughty, H. A. (2007). The Limits of Critical Thinking . The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, Volume 11(3), article 11 . Facione, D. P. (1990). The Executive Summary for Critical Thinking: A Statement of Expert Consensus for Purposes of Educational Assessment and Instruction. The California Academic Press. Oak, M. (n.d.). Articles. Retrieved 04 20, 2011, from Buzzle.Com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/developing-critical-thinking-skills.html Paul, D. R., Elder, D. L., & Bartell, D. T. (1995). Study To Determine Faculty Emphasis on Critical Thinking In Instruction. Staff, C. T. (2005, November). Why is Critical Thinking Essential? Importance of Critical Thinking . Wallace, L. (2009, 05 29). National: The Atlantic. Retrieved 04 18, 2011, from The Atlantic: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2009/05/the-importance-of-critical-thinking/18469/ Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved 04 20, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking http://thinkexist.com/quotation/the_principle_goal_of_education_is_to_create_men/194317.html Read More