The Critical Thinking Framework

for

TSTC Harlingen

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Critical thinking is an ability to engage in the process of

–        application,

–        analysis,

–        evaluation,

–        interpretation, and

–        synthesis

in order to make an informed decision.

Whenever we think,

                  we think for a purpose

                  within a point of view

                  based on assumptions

                  leading to implications and consequences.

                  We use concepts, ideas, and theories

                  to interpret data, facts, and experiences

                  in order to answer questions,

                   solve problems, and resolve issues.

Purpose

A purpose is a goal, an objective, what is going to be accomplished.  We can use the term to include functions, motives, and intentions.  We should be clear about our purpose and that purpose should be justifiable.

The question lays out the problem or issue and guides our thinking.  When the question is vague, our thinking will lack clarity and distinctness.  The question then should be clear and precise enough to productively guide our thinking.

Information

Information includes the facts, data, evidence, or experiences we use to figure things out.   It does not necessarily imply accuracy or correctness.  However, the information we use should be as accurate as possible and relevant to the question or issue we are addressing.

Interpretation and Inference

Concepts are ideas, theories, laws, principles, or hypotheses we use in thinking to make sense of things.  It is important to be clear about the concepts we are using and to use them justifiably.

Assumptions

Implications and Consequences

Implications are the things that might happen if we decide to do something.  Consequences are the things that do happen when we act.  We should think through possible and probable implications in a situation before acting.

Point of view is literally “the place” from which we view something.  It includes what we are looking at and the way we are seeing it.  Our point of view or perspective can easily distort the way we see situations and issues, so it is important to make sure we understand the limitations of our points of view and that we fully consider other relevant viewpoints.

The Standards of Thought

 

Critical thinking is thinking that is done well; it meets high standards of

thinking.  The standards allow us to evaluate the quality of thinking or

reasoning about a problem, issue, or situation.  They are what make

critical thinking different from thinking.

 

 

 

 

 

Clarity

Clarity is a gatekeeper standard.  If a statement is unclear, we cannot determine whether it is accurate or relevant.  In fact, we cannot tell anything about it because we do not know what it is saying.  Thinking is clear when it is easily understood, when it is free from the likelihood of misunderstanding, when it is readily apparent what follows from it. 

 

Accuracy

The thinking is accurate when it describes the way things actually are.

 

Precision

Thinking is precise when it is as specific and detailed as needed in order to reason through a problem or issue.

 

Relevance

To say something is relevant is to say that it address the problem or question at issue.

 

Depth

Thinking is deep enough when it looks below the surface of the problem or question at issue and when the complexities that underlie the problem or question are identified and taken into account.

 

Breadth

Thinking is broad enough when other aspects, other perspectives, other parallel problems or questions are identified and taken into account.

 

 

 

 

Three Dimensions Of Critical Thinking

 

 

 

Much of the success that students attain

in developing their critical thinking abilities

depends on the models they see.

 

 

TSTC’s critical thinking framework was Adapted from Elder, Linda & Paul, Richard.  (2005)  A Miniature Guide to the Foundations of Analytic Thinking.  The Foundation for Critical Thinking can be found at www.criticalthinking.org.

 

Critical Thinking Rubrics for the Student Learning Objectives