Critical thinking is reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do. Critical thinkers are intellectually curious, seek answers to various questions and problems, are open-minded and accept a variety of positions if valid, know how to handle confusion by avoiding quick decisions, avoid irrelevant information, are able to control their emotions, are sensitive to others, and know when to admit they don't know something. Critical thinking is a learned skill essential for making decisions and can be improved through education.

1. Critical Thinking Critical thinking is reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do

2. What is critical thinking? Critical thinking is reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do.

3. Critical thinkers are… intellectually curious; why, how, what, when, and where. Seek answers to various kinds of questions and problems.

4. Critical thinkers are… open-minded; accept a wide variety of positions and beliefs if they are valid.

5. Critical thinkers… know how to handle confusion. With confusion we often make quick decisions based on limited data or overworked stereotypes.

6. Critical thinkers… avoid “Red Herrings”. They avoid irrelevancies during an argument.

7. Critical thinkers are… able to control emotion. Misdirected or misplaced anger, fear, or frustration will destroy the critical thinking process faster.

8. Critical thinkers are… sensitive to the needs of others. Pay attention to their target audience

9. Critical thinkers… know when to admit to not knowing something. “Learning comes from questioning, not from knowing all the answers.”

10. Decisions and Critical Thinking Critical thinking is a learned skill. Good thinking skills are essential for making appropriate decisions about what to believe and do. Critical thinking can be improved through education.