Critical Thinking

When learners think critically, they become actively responsible for their own education, which can lead to wisdom–not just the learning of new information

More than two centuries ago, Socrates devised a method of questioning and analysis that required clarity of thinking and logical consistency

Critical thinking in online learning is perhaps more crucial than critical thinking in a physical classroom. When learning online, students come across far more complex challenges that require novel solutions – often concerning technology and information.

The online format is fertile ground for fostering critical thinking because the instructor has various avenues to engage students in activities that foster deeper, more substantive thinking.

An important advantage of using
critical thinking processes is that it helps learners to overcome their negative egocentrism and
sociocentrism

Through collaborative use of critical thinking processes with other students during reasoning, making
decisions, and problem solving, learners gain a foundation for independent and interdependent critical
thinking.

Ability to use critical thinking varies, depending on comprehension, self-assuredness, level of maturity, experience with critical thinking processes, and other variables

Through critical thinking, students focus on the processes of learning rather than just attaining facts about phenomena

Critical thinking helps learners to create and apply new knowledge to real-world situations.