...EDUCATION Critical thinking and analysis: a model for written assignments Sharon L Edwards W hat is critical analysis? In the author’s personal experience this question has been answered by the following statement: ‘It is being critical of the literature.’ However, this does not answer the question. A literature search also failed to provide any information on critical analysis. The justification for developing a model for critical analysis, however, was not solely the lack of available literature. Other reasons included: to provide a definition of the terms; and to help both educationalists and students interpret the concepts involved. Nurse educationalists and nursing students lack a clear understanding of the critical processes and this could severely diminish the profession’s ability to articulate issues that are imperative to the advancement of nursing practice in the future. This article recommends a model of critical analysis that can be used by students and educationalists. It suggests that critical thinking and analysis are interrelated and complementary, but not synonymous. It gives examples of the model’s components in order to clarify their meaning. The model will hopefully give students a premise on which to base their assignments, and nurse educationalists will be able to incorporate it into their teaching practice. It will also provide an element of reality to critical analysis which will prevent it from becoming so abstract and idealistic as to render...
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...Critical Thinking Means Business: Learn to Apply and Develop the NEW #1 Workplace Skill By Judy Chartrand, Ph.D., Heather Ishikawa, MA, & Scott Flander Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 3881-09 Table of Contents Introduction to Critical Thinking Means Business ...................................................... 1 Too Little Critical Thinking = Big Problems .................................................................. 2-3 Critical Thinking in the Workplace ................................................................................. 4 How Critical Thinking Works: Introduction to the RED Model .................................. 5 Using the RED Model in Decision Making: A Case Study ........................................... 6 For Trainers - Developing Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers Using the RED Model: A Sample Training Program ................................................... 7 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 8 References .......................................................................................................................... 9 Critical Thinking Means Business Introduction When more than 400 senior HR professionals were asked in a survey to name the most important skill their employees will need in the next five years, critical thinking ranked the highest – surpassing innovation...
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...Critical Thinking Application MGT350 - Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making January 9, 2011 Dave Ball Abstract Critical thinking is an important part of everyday life. Many decision models have been created to support critical thinking. Those models are based on three core elements, framing or identifying the problem, gathering and qualifying supporting information to support a decision, and evaluating the decision. By applying these critical thinking techniques the benefits of critical thinking can be realized. This paper will briefly discuss critical thinking, its importance and benefits, and present the reader with a real-world example of critical thinking. Critical Thinking Application Critical thinking is defined by Paul and Elder (2006) as “thinking explicitly aimed at well-founded judgment, utilizing appropriate evaluative standards in an attempt to determine the true worth, merit, or value of something” (Section Introduction, p. xxiv). Critical thinking assists a decision maker to make the right decision based on the information available. Decisions are an everyday part of life. Some believe that an average person could make as many as 40,000 decisions in an average day. Whereas not all of these decisions require critical thinking skills, many decisions that directly affect those around us should apply critical thinking techniques to ensure an informed decision is reached. The University of Phoenix decision model is a set of techniques...
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...Critical Thinking and Decision-making “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 and action” (Sciven & Paul, 2004). Moreover, critical thinkers use decision-making models as a guide to identify an issue, cause and desired outcome. These models are major components of the critical thinking process, as it determines the effectiveness of the end result. This paper will discuss a career development issue using The University of Phoenix (UOP) decision-making model as a guide. This model is divided by three phases: (a) framing the problem, (b) making the decision, and (c) evaluating the decision. Critical Thinking “Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them” (Paul & Elder, 2001). To think critically, one must identify, analyze, dissect, evaluate, reconstruct information to make sound decisions and achieve the best results. In addition, decision-makers must also outline potential risks, losses and alternatives to improve the process or resolve any foreseeable issues. Lastly, they also test, implement and monitor the finalized...
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...learners we are encouraged daily to look closely at the world around us and to try to understand it through an alert kind of critical thinking, but we are also persuaded to stand outside of this process and reflect on different assumptions, implications and methodologies involved in our relationship to and understanding of the world around us. These processes reconcile the need for creative and critical thinking because both are useful in forming a genuine understanding of the objective world, our relationship to each other and the actual knowledge process used for both. Therefore the question arises for college students which kind of thinking may be prioritized over the other when trying to make sound, valid and “true” claims. As a college learner I understand the process of generating knowledge to occur in both an individual and communal context, therefore different perspectives have to be assessed to arrive at objective truth. When assessing the need for interaction between critical and creative thought in generating knowledge, different perspectives arrive at different answers. For example, one common conception of critical thinking puts it above creative thinking in fundamental ways, asserting that creative thinking is secondary to critical. Another perspective holds that creative thinking sustains any other kind of philosophizing, because this mode of thinking brings into creation the very systems of thought used in the others kinds of philosophizing. I would argue that neither...
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...have in common? Critical thinking is required in each situation to adequately assess the situation and act accordingly. We may not be aware of the frequency with which we employ critical thinking, but it is vital to good decision making. Without critical thinking, managers can fall into the habit of reacting on impulse, responding to gut feelings alone, or relying only on the advice of others when making important decisions. Understanding the relationship between critical thinking and decision making is the first step towards making wise decisions. This week's focus is on critical thinking and how it relates to decision making. Topics include defining critical thinking, benefits of thinking critically, and the relationship between critical thinking and decision making. Week in Relation to the course Good decision making is the backbone of sound management. The University of Phoenix nine-step decision-making model requires a sequence of steps leading to a sound, defensible decision. Critical thinking is a vital component of making good decisions, defining the decision-making strategy by analyzing the thinking process involved. A firm grasp of the critical-thinking components will equip managers to make sound, considered decisions. Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective Critical Thinking Definition and Benefits "Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully...
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...the Effectiveness of Online Resources in Developing Student Critical Thinking: Review of Literature and Case Study of a Critical Thinking Online Site Erst Carmichael University of Western Sydney, e.carmichael@uws.edu.au Helen Farrell University of New South Wales, h.farrell@unsw.edu.au Follow this and additional works at: http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp Recommended Citation Carmichael, Erst and Farrell, Helen, Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Online Resources in Developing Student Critical Thinking: Review of Literature and Case Study of a Critical Thinking Online Site, Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 9(1), 2012. Available at:http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol9/iss1/4 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: research-pubs@uow.edu.au Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Online Resources in Developing Student Critical Thinking: Review of Literature and Case Study of a Critical Thinking Online Site Abstract A graduate's ability to be a critical thinker is expected by many employers; therefore development of students’ critical-thinking skills in higher education is important. There is also a perception that today’s students are technologically "savvy", and appreciate the inclusion of a technological approach to learning. However, the complexity of the concept of critical thinking and the assumptions about students’ technological skills are ...
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...requires citizens to process large amounts of information and to operate effectively in ambiguous and unstructured situations. Such work demands thinking and thoughtful people. (Grant, 1988, p. 36) The importance of critical thinking is directly linked to the ability to make sound, informed decisions. The results of those decisions could have a major impact not just in regards to Homeland Security, but also in a person’s daily life. There are two major methodologies of critical thinking, both being unique and similar within their own right. From Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder there are the “Elements of Thought” which are eight. While from M. Neil Browne and Stuart M Keeley comes the “Right Questions” which are ten in number. In the “Elements of Thought” from Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Paul we find eight seemingly simple questions that should be asked in order to either make the best decision possible and/or to process the available information effectively. What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s point of view? What assumptions are made? What are the implications? What evidence is provided? What are inferences or conclusions? What are the basic concepts? What are the key questions? (Elder & Paul, 2007) From these questions a reader, listener, or an analyst is given a template with which the critical thinking process should take place allowing the reader or listener to reach a higher level of comprehension and perhaps detecting any underlying or subliminal...
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...Critical Thinkers and Education A Teachers Goal Bia Mcgrue Scypion EDU372: Educational Psychology Prof. Jimletta Vareene-Thomas 2/20/2016 Critical Thinkers and Education A Teachers Goal Throughout life we are challenged and we encounter an abundance of issues or problems that we need to solve. Some problems that can be resolved effortlessly and efficiently but other obstacles may require a more critical and creative thinking to overcome. When it comes down to thinking to solve problems we depend on our thinking or give some regurgitated answer that we just read. But “much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudiced” (TCTC, 2016). The purpose of critical thinking is so that we are able to not only accomplish or attain understanding but also so we can assess or check each other’s frame of reference and eventually clarify the question or dilemma at hand. Some would argue whose challenge is it to get students to move pass their beliefs and assumption. Is it on students to dig deeper to gain or find additional tools and information that leads to developing a more in depth thought process. Richard Dawkins expressed that we should “not indoctrinate your children. Teach them how to think for themselves, how to evaluate evidence, and how to disagree with you” (Dawkins, 2015). Picture a student who completes every assignment follows along attentively writes down the notes and answers the questions with the information found...
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...Introduction Asking the Right Questions, in and of itself was a phenomenal read. I gained an incredible amount of insight with regards to critical thinking, but I also learned a lot about myself. While reading the text, I frequently had light bulb moments where I would reflect on my decision making process in personal relationships, but also business relationships. This book assisted me in identifying a new way in which I process information and how I make decisions. Asking the Right Questions, gives you the tools and skills to carefully approach questions and the ability to skillfully think through tasks. Critical thinking as defined by Browne and Keeley consists of an awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, the ability to ask and answer critical questions at appropriate times and the desire to actively use the critical questions. This assignment, which focused on the PDQ Memorandum (Mark Headlee, personal communication, October 1, 2011), was an interesting discussion to use for the critical thinking process. Initially, when I thought about critical thinking as a task, my mind immediately focused on a problem and a solution. It most often times in my experience has been a lengthy discussion which resulted in numerous steps in the process. The model used by Browne and Keeley, is a different approach than what I was familiar with, however, it was quite unique when applying it to the PDQ CEO compensation evaluation. The PDQ scenario was very...
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...necessary for developing an academic paper. I will cover steps involved in researching a topic and collecting data to formulate an academic paper. The item critical thinking with the aspect of decision making will be covered in this document. The academic paper is a presentation of real understanding of the subject, the amount of hard work offered during the research. The document is to be well formatted and organized so that readers can read and escalate the ideas mentioned. Planning and Decision Making Writing an academic paper, initial requirement is gaining knowledge of the subject which is then later researched a lot for better writing flow. An analysis is a next step which leads to a perfect output as an academic paper. There are few necessary steps to develop a good academic paper. The first step is to analyze the paper to be discussed, the analysis is something important which is followed by a sequence of collecting information about the writing through reading many posts, articles or blogs or through research. It is also important it is crucial for students to make a note of the references or where information is gathered. In the same manner, the thesis should be thought of and organizing the material is another aspect to be planned well ahead. Once all these are done, draft and review the paper written. Critical thinking is an aspect students should require to involve in their academic paper. To meet successful writing and meet the academic...
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...The Manager as a critical thinker Amos Agatovure University of Maryland University College Section 9047 October 16, 2015. Professor Martha Young Introduction Critical thinking is a term used most often by people and sometimes really don’t think about it what means and why questions are asked in a setting ways or why setting phrases are asked how and why? According to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Crit-Think-Audio, critical thinking model helps in the analyzation and finding solution to complex organizational problems that affect decision making ability of managers. By definition, critical thinking means making reasoned judgement that are logical and well thought-out. That is, a way of thinking that you don’t just accept all argument and conclusions, but rather you have an attitude by questioning every notion which raises the question of how and why? According to the UMUC Crit-Think-Audio, people who asked questions on how get a job and the people that ask question why be there bosses. However, this paper is for the analyzation of the Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa (CHCM) Memo, and also, using the critical thinking model as described in the textbook, asking the right questions and applying the several steps as reveled by Browne and Keeley (Browne & Keeley, 2015, to measure up the argument described in the CHCM memo. The critical thinking model was prepared and applied in a memo by CHCM...
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...Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical Thinking Application Paper The purpose of this paper is to explain critical thinking and decision-making by different examples, such as models, method examples and show how it is used in everyday life. The three components of every decision are made, and they are 1. Criteria- the standards by which decision makers evaluate alternatives, 2. Alternatives- specific courses of action or options, and are considered “positions” 3. Cause and effect beliefs-cause and effects belief are cognitions linking specific alternatives to specific criteria. These are often referred to as models, theories, assumptions, beliefs, or alternative attributes. Platoon Hierarchy is needed to understand how certain decisions ca affect many areas and how critical thinking is needed and used by all involved in the military. An Army leader is any one who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people both inside and outside of the Chain of Command to pursue actions, focus thinking and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization. One can solve soldier complaints, concerns and questions, in a timely manner through perfecting critical thinking. This will help the leader make responses and answers tailored to the individual soldier, and it will make soldiers feel more satisfied and cared about by their chain of command. Possessing a strong ability to think critically is viewed by the company commanders...
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...Ms. Ford to evaluate the state’s proposed option to privatize the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) information systems management function. In order to validate each argument in the memo I will apply the critical thinking model from the book “Asking the Right Questions” by Browne and Keeley (2010). This model is comprised of ten steps for an audience to critically analyze a conclusion by speakers and writers. The first step of the critical thinking model is to identify the conclusion of a speaker’s or writer’s argument (Browne & Kelley, 2010). Browne and Kelley (2010) define the conclusion of a speaker or writer as the “message that the speaker or write wishes you to accept”. The conclusion of the business memo is stated by Ms. Ford, “APEU Local No. 121 should challenge the governor’s proposed privatization of the DMV information systems management function as an unfair management practice”. The conclusion in this memo is located at the end of the memo and clearly stated in the conclusion section however to validate that this statement is the conclusion, identification of the issue is necessary. Browne and Kelley (2010) define an issue as a “question or controversy responsible for the conversation or discussion”. The critical thinking model describes two types of issues that could exist in a speaker’s or writer’s argument: Descriptive issue which raise questions about the accuracy of descriptions; or Prescriptive issues which raise questions about what...
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...Asking the Right Questions-11 Step Analysis Introduction “I know it’s good to be a critical thinker and to be able to ask lots of good questions, but I don’t know what questions to ask or how to ask them.” (Browne & Keeley, 2011) In our text “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (10th Ed.) The authors explore the benefits and necessity for critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right questions to make an informed decision and conclusion to an argument. The authors Browne and Keeley (2011) give two different approaches that can be taken in order to achieve success in critical thinking; the Interactive approach which involves evaluation of what is being read or heard and the sponge approach which involves little thought because you are simply absorbing everything you read and hear. With a good combination of the two one can successfully go through the critical thinking process and ask and answer all the right questions. So what are the right questions? Browne and Keeley give 10 questions that create a stairway to successful critical thinking. I am going to go through the 10-question model and examine a Memo written by Ms. Mary Ford the Director of Human Resources of APEU to Mr. Hector Fuentes the President of APEU local No. 121. I. What are the Issues and Conclusions? An issue is a question or controversy responsible for the conversation or discussion. It is the stimulus for what is being said (Browne & Keeley, 2011). There are...
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