Ten Attributes of Critical Thinking
| Elements of Thinking | Principle | Practical Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained | Continuity is the key to depth of thought | Thematic Journal
Thematic Calendar Thematic Capstone |
|
Analytical |
To understand x
Must break it down into parts |
Thematic Matrix Thematic Matrix Exchange |
| Synoptic:
Prioritized, sequenced |
If you don’t see the big picture, it’s impossible to prioritize and make an informed decision. |
Thematic Matrix Matrix Exchange Thematic Capstone |
|
Research-based
|
Facts matter.
Half of what you think is wrong. Only research will help you shrink the percentage. |
Thematic Journal Matrix Exchange |
|
Collaborative
|
Solo thinking can be creative but runs risk of sterility as well as retreat into a private universe and private language.
|
Thematic Matrix Exchange |
|
Skeptical
|
All premises must be identified and turned into hypotheses If truth is to be found. | Thematic Checklist:
How can I be wrong? What am I missing? What questions should I be asking? |
|
Decision-focused: (prioritized, precise)
|
Life is a tissue of decisions with respect to what matters in daily life and civic life. | Thematic Journal
Thematic Matrix Thematic Capstone |
|
Accountable
|
No test, no accountability |
Before and After Test
Capstone |
|
Multi-disciplinary
|
Most important issues cross disciplinary lines.
|
Seven literacies Of world citizenship |
|
Quantitative if possible
|
If something can be quantified, it should be. |
Thematic Data Packet |