Digging Deeper
Improving Critical Thinking
Watch the video, 5 Steps to Improve Critical Thinking, by Samantha Agoos (2015):
"5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking" by Samantha Agoos is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
Complete the questionnaire, titled "Think," on the TedEd website and discuss your responses with the class:
- What is one advantage of critical thinking?
- What is the first step (of five) in the critical thinking process?
- When making a decision, what is the main purpose of gathering facts and information?
- Whas does it mean to consider the implications of a decision?
- How can critical thinking improve your chances of making better choices?
- Consider the example of the diet craze presented in the video. In your own words, explain how you would apply information to determine whether the weight-loss cliams are logical and accurate. Be specific about each step you would take.
- Read the scenario below and respond to the prompt that follows. Two candidates are running for President of the United States. One candidate advocates for reducing corporate taxes to incentivize businesses to open in the US, fostering the economy. The opposing candidate wishes to incrase corporate tax rates to use the revenue to address domestic issues like education. Describe why it is valuable and beneficial to the decision-making process to explore both political perspectives prior to casting your vote?
- Silently reflect on an upcoming choice you may encounter in the future. Compose a pagraph (5 sentences maximum) that discusses how you will employ the critical thinking to enhance your decision-making process. Be specific about how you would apply at least three of the five steps mentioned in the video.
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/5-tips-to-improve-your-critical-thinking-samantha-agoos#review