Recognizing Critical Thinkers

Critical thinking is an important skill for learners to master. Learners that can think critically evaluate their surroundings, their actions and thoughts, the actions and speeches of other and develop their own conclusion based on their knowledge and experiences. A critical thinker is vital in not only his or her development but in that of a team. Critical thinkers analyze, critique and evaluate data. This is the highest realm of the cognitive domain according to Bloom's taxonomy.

According to Steven Brookfield there are five traits to recognize critical thinking:

1. "Critical thinking is a productive and positive activity."

Critical thinkers are innovators; they exude emotion about a subject they are interested in. Critical thinkers are aware of diversity, they respect the opinions of others, and they see the value of approaching a problem in a different way.

In the middle of your lecture, has a learner said "that's not how I did it on the job!" Even though this student might be interrupting the class, and might be very emotional about his experience, it is beneficial to all of the class to let this learner explain how it was done on his job. Then an instructor can lead a class discussion to see how other students would have approached this problem. This technique helps all the learners to develop their critical thinking skills.

2. "Critical thinking is a process, not an outcome."

Critical thinking can never be finished in some final static manner. Problems can be solved, but critical thinking skills evolve over time with knowledge and experience.

3. "Manifestations of critical thinking vary according to the contexts in which it occurs."

Not all learners will display their critical thinking skills externally, some might internalize it. Some learners will quietly solve problems and analyze course material without sharing with the group. It is the role of the educator/trainer/facilitator to get these learners to share what they have learned with others- this way the entire class benefits.

4. "Critical thinking is triggered by positive as well as negative events."

Not all 'Lessons Learned' are based on mishaps or other negative outcomes! Positive outcomes can and should be used for training. Give the learners a situation, let them solve it, and then discuss actual outcomes from this problem. This method is an advanced application of the 'Law of Primacy' in learning.

5. "Critical thinking is emotive as well as rational."

Learners will have emotions about their critical thinking outcomes. They will have creative tension as they discover different ways to solve problems. As an educator/ trainer/facilitator, recognize the situation. Don't be defensive; rather try to help the learners focus this emotional energy on the problem at hand.

All too often the critical thinker may be shut down of discouraged from sharing his thoughts. This is because he or she is very emotional and came come across as disruptive or abrasive. Educators have to welcome the challenge of a critical thinker and understand that he or she is evaluating and analyzing the educator's curriculum, experience and knowledge. This learner is participating! This learner is growing! Welcome the critical thinker and develop other learners into critical thinkers.