Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Through Comparison, Cause-Effect, and Judgment Strategies
This guide outlines essential critical thinking skills, including comparing and contrasting objects to identify similarities and differences, applying prior knowledge to new situations, interpreting visual information, and relating cause and effect. It also emphasizes the importance of generalizations based on group data, making informed judgments, and effective problem solving. Practical methods for these skills include using compare/contrast tables and Venn diagrams, analyzing illustrations, and evaluating pros and cons. Mastering these skills can enhance decision-making and problem-solving in various contexts.
Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Through Comparison, Cause-Effect, and Judgment Strategies
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Presentation Transcript
Thinking Critically Pages 158 & 159
Comparing & Contrasting What is it? • Examining 2 ( or more) objects for similarities and differences How is it done? • Identifying similarities or common characterisitics • Identifying differences **Use a Compare/Contrast Table or a Venn DIagram
Applying Concepts What is it? Prior knowledge is used about one situation to make sense of a similar situation How is it done? Transferring your knowledge from one situation to another
Interpreting Illustrations What is it? Learning from visual elements such as diagrams, photographs, maps, etc. How is it done? Study the illustration as well as all written portions (captions, labels and keys)
Relating Cause and Effect What is it? Realizing that one event causes another to occur How is it done? Identifying two events and determining whether the 1st caused the 2nd to occur
Making Generalizations What is it? When a conclusion is drawn about an entire group based on information about only a portion of the group How is it done? Taking samples from the group. A large enough sample must be taken to get a good representation of the entire group.
Making Judgments What is it? Evaluating whether something is GOOD or BAD or RIGHT or WRONG. How is it done? Think about pros and cons and identify the VALUES or STANDARDS that you hold.
Problem Solving What is it? When “Critical Thinking” skills are used to resolve an issue or decide on a course of action How is it done? Using any of the following skills… Comparing & Contrasting, Applying Concepts, Interpreting Illustrations, Relating Cause & Effect, Making Generalizations and/or Making Judgments.
