Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking: Integrating Online Tools to Promote Critical Thinking
According to the Center for Critical Thinking, the definition of critical thinking is the intellectual discipline process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking: Integrating Online Tools to Promote Critical Thinking, Dr. B. Jean Mandernach says that most instructors believe critical thinking is a primary objective of their instruction. Unfortunately, they face many dilemmas when promoting and developing this fundamental skill. This article addresses the essential need to integrate instructional strategies and techniques that can efficiently and effectively maximize student learning and critical thinking. Their suggestion is to use online tools. As the research is addressed in detail, it describes the barriers in teaching critical thinking, embracing alternative teaching philosophies, and integrating online instructional strategies. In summary, this article reviews a variety of ways to use online technologies to supplement traditional classroom activities to promote critical thinking skills.
Mandernach, B. J. (2006). Thinking critically about critical thinking: Integrating online tools to promote critical thinking. Critical Thinking, 1, 41-50. Retrieved from: http://www.insightjournal.net/Volume1/Thinking%20Critically%20about%20Critical%20Thinking-%20Integrating%20Online%20Tools%20to%20Promote%20Critical%20Thinking.pdf