Becoming a critical thinker

Critical thinking doesn't just happen. It takes time to develop and practice the necessary combination of knowledge, skills and attitude. Let's take a look at how we can develop our critical thinking skills.

As a critical thinker, you will:

• ask questions
• analyse and evaluate information/theories/practice
• be aware of your own biases, beliefs and values.

In developing your skills as a critical and independent thinker at university, the following traits are important.

• Develop a critical attitude
• Develop a critical approach to texts.

Developing a critical attitude

It takes a conscious effort to develop a critical attitude. Before you can think critically, you need to be aware of what's stopping you. Attitudes that prevent us from thinking critically include the following:

• I want you to tell me what I need to know, not figure it out myself.
• I 'know' what is right so I don't have to think about it.
• I don't usually try to think about why things happen the way they do.
• I'm not an expert but this other person is, so I can't say anything.
• I don't like to be criticised.
• I don't want to get into an argument.
• I don't want to be disrespectful.

Reflecting on your learning is a useful activity that can help you develop a more critical attitude. It allows you to think deeply about your experiences of learning and the attitudes you bring to it. Critical or academic reflection is a common assessment task at university.