Colleagues,
Greetings at the start of the 2016/17 academic year.
Our research team as just posted the short paper, “Cultivating A Positive Critical Thinking Mindset,” on academia.edu. If you find it helpful, feel free to use it in your teaching. Link to PDF: https://www.academia.edu/28435344/Cultivating_A_Critical_Thinking_Mindset
Abstract: Since the publication of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory in 1992, our research team has often been asked what a person might do in order to develop strong critical thinking habits of mind. The answer, as it turns out, is both easier and more difficult than might at first be imagined. This essay offers specific suggestions – practices which can be incorporate into daily living.
After a quick summary of how education and socialization are used in the formation of character, the paper provides a summary analysis of the seven positive attributes which comprise the critical thinking mindset, a preliminary self-assessment tool which the ready may elect to use, a discussion distinguishing strong critical thinking from knowledge and then from ethics, and finally specific recommendations for building and sustaining all seven positive attributes of a strong critical thinker.
Regards,
Pete
Peter A. Facione, PhD
650-743-8632