1. Based on this week’s reading and activities, how would you
define critical thinking?
A: being able to have the skills to analyze and evaluate an issue to make
unbiased judgement. Having the capabilities to gather evidence, evaluate
it, and get a plan of action. It requires you to have logic and a collection of
everyday skills that are needed for our full and intellectual and personal
development.
2.What are some characteristics of a critical thinker?
A: There are a few, 9 at first but then cut down to 3. Dualism, relativism,
and commitment are the three it was shortened down to. A few of the
other characteristics are effective communication, research and inquiry,
flexibility and tolerance, open-minded skepticism, creative problem
solving, attention, mindfulness, and curiosity and collaborative learning.,
3.What do you see as common barriers to critical thinking, and
how might people overcome or avoid those barriers?
A: Common barriers to critical thinking are stress, narrow-mindedness,
avoidance, anger, clichés, denial, ignorance, conformity, struggling, and
distractions. One way a person might avoid these barriers is by being
around role models who are already skilled in critical thinking. Having a
willingness to change your mind about a position considering conflicting
evidence. Also, by sharpening your critical-thinking skills you can become
more independent and less susceptible to world-views.
4.Reflect on the learning activities, concepts, ideas, and topics
covered this week. What is the most interesting activity or
concept you learned this week? Mention any concepts that are
still a bit confusing to you or that you have questions about.
A: I really enjoyed the characteristics of critical thinking part of the
reading. It was interesting to learn about all the things that make
someone a good critical thinker. Although it was a lot of information to
take in. What did surprise me was the Barriers of being a good critical
thinker. It mentions distractions as one of the barriers, which I can agree
with, but in the description of distractions it lists loud music or television
as examples of what can be distracting to some people that are good
critical thinkers. I personally feel as though I can think better when I have
my music on loud and singing the words, or the tv playing in the
background. It takes a lot to be a good critical thinker, I guess it is up to
the person to decide if they want to make the changes to be one.
