ERIC Number: EJ1018845
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Sep
Pages: 12
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0895-4852
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Critically Thinking about Critical Thinking
Weissberg, Robert
Academic Questions, v26 n3 p317-328 Sep 2013
In this article, the author states that "critical thinking" has mesmerized academics across the political spectrum and that even high school students are now being called upon to "think critically." He furthers adds that it is no exaggeration to say that "critical thinking" has quickly evolved into a scholarly industry. Weissberg contends that there is a problem in transforming this high-sounding idea into something that can be useful or that students can master. After defining critical thinking as "the ability to use reason to move beyond the acquisition of facts to uncover deeper meaning" he asks if this skill can really be taught as a mastery to all students, especially those that struggle with necessary basic skills. The author concludes his reasoning with the thought that "critical thinking," while a worthwhile skill, need not take top-priority in teaching but should be taught along with all other skills that students must master.
Descriptors: Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Definitions, Personal Narratives, Teaching Methods, Colleges, Course Content, Higher Education, Elementary Secondary Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A