I N Q U I RY S K I L L S

TEACHING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

A USEFUL CRITICAL THINKING RESOURCE

• This powerpoint includes links to the East Tennessee State website devoted to faculty resources for teaching critical thinking. It describes learner-centered activities to use in teaching critical thinking skills.

• “Many teachers use reading and writing, listening and speaking assignments to help students learn critical thinking skills.  But there are important differences between assignments . . .• that request critical thinking and those that require it.• that request or require critical thinking and those that teach it.

• When assignments only request critical thinking, some students will try to meet the request, others won’t.  When assignments ask for critical thinking but don’t teach it, students who already have these skills can succeed, others can’t.  This web site shows you how to design activities and assignments that require AND teach critical thinking. “ Dr. William Kirkwood, 2003 The link: The Home Page

Dr. William Kirkwood, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at East Tennessee State University. © 2003, East Tennessee State University

THE SKILLS OF INQUIRY

• “Critical thinking means more than evaluating others’ ideas and advancing one’s own.  It is first and foremost a process of exploration.  Two key elements of inquiry are asking good questions and seeking needed information. “ Kirkwood, 2003

• This resource can help students learn how to:Frame questions

The link: Framing questions

Gather information The link: Information gathering