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In this self-learning material, you will discover:
In this self-learning material, you will discover:
1. What are Critical Thinking and Critical Thinking Skills?
1. What are Critical Thinking and Critical Thinking Skills?
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe. It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. A critical thinker is able to deduce consequences from what he knows, and he knows how to make use of information to solve problems, and to seek relevant sources of information to inform himself. (Joe Lau & Jonathan Chan, 2009)
Critical Thinking Skills refer to the ability to identify and analyse an issue. These skills are demonstrated in the process of examining the influence of the context and assumptions, analysing the issue with relevant information, and evaluating it with evidence and logical reasoning before formulating a conclusion or specific position (perspective/thesis/hypothesis). (LTTC, EDUHK)
The key elements of Critical Thinking Skills
The key elements of Critical Thinking Skills
Identify the issue :
Use substantial relevant information to identify the issue clearly and describe it comprehensively.
Examine the influence of the context and assumptions:
Examine one’s own and others' assumptions, and identify the influence of contexts thoroughly and systematically.
Analyse and evaluate the issue:
Analyse the issue comprehensively using substantial relevant information, and evaluate it carefully with substantial evidence and logical reasoning.
Formulate a conclusion/position:
Produce a conclusion/ position (perspective/ thesis/hypothesis) that acknowledges the limits of that conclusion/position and takes into account the complexities of the issue; synthesise others’ points of view within the conclusion/ position.
2. Ways and Tips to improve critical thinking skills
2. Ways and Tips to improve critical thinking skills
Video: TED Ed 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking
Video: TED Ed 5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking
Lesson by Samantha Agoos; Animation by Nick Hilditch
Critical Thinking is a way of approaching a question that allow us to deconstruct a situation, reveal its hidden issues and make the best decision. Here are 5 tips which may help you improve your critical thinking:
5 Tips:
1: Formulate your question - know what you are actually looking for
2: Gather your information - weight different options and meet the goal
3: Apply the information - ask yourself critical questions before action
4: Consider the implications - think about the unintended consequence behind
5: Explore other points of view - explore alternatives and evaluate your choices
Academic Journal:
Academic Journal:
In this section, you may find 4 articles regarding the importance/ benefit of critical thinking skills in general and in school, workplace and organization.
1. General introduction of Critical Thinking
Schafersman, S. D. (1991). An introduction to critical thinking. Retrieved from: http://www.smartcollegeplanning.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Critical-Thinking.pdf
This article introduced the importance of critical thinking in education, as well as the purpose and rationale of teaching Critical Thinking. It provided a comprehensive review of critical thinking from the educators' perspective.
2. Critical Thinking in School
Murawski, L. M. (2014). Critical Thinking in the Classroom… and Beyond. Journal of Learning in Higher Education, 10(1), 25-30. Retrieved from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1143316.pdf
This article introduced what critical thinker is and how would critical thinkers behave in school and workplace comparing to others.
3. Critical Thinking in Workplace
Noruzi, M. R., & Hernandez, J. G. V. (2011). Critical thinking in the workplace: characteristics, and some assessment tests. In 3rd International Conference on Information and Financial Engineering IPEDR (Vol. 12, pp. 295-298). Retrieved from: http://www.ipedr.com/vol12/52-C127.pdf
This article reviewed different aspects of critical thinking in the workplace and its relative advantages. It also identified some 'barriers' that could prevent effective critical thinking in workplace.
4. Critical Thinking for Organization / Small group
Natale, S., & Ricci, F. (2006). Critical thinking in organizations. Team Performance Management: An International Journal.
Retrieved from: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/13527590610711822/full/pdf
This article offered a review of the role of critical thinking in small groups and organizations. It was found that there was correlation between critical thinking and organizational performance.
In the above sections, some tips and skills of Critical Thinking are introduced. We could find that there are different interpretations and understanding of Critical Thinking Skills and the way of enhancing them under different situations and levels.
In the following parts, we will introduce an useful tool and self-learning exercise to you!
3. Useful Tool for developing critical thinking skills
3. Useful Tool for developing critical thinking skills
(van Gelder, 2007)
Argument Map (AM)
Argument Map (AM)
Argument map could be used to help users consolidating the arguments and the proving evidences in order to develop Critical Thinking Skills.
You may list out the evidences and elaborations of your argument and sub-argument in a systematic way.
Benefits of using Argument Map:
Presenting arguments with a more clear logical structure
Visualizing arguments with schemas
Stating your arguments and evidences more precisely
Anticipating counter-arguments and points of view from other stakeholders
There are 2 common types of exercise:
Identifying and mapping out the argument of a text by using AM
Developing an argument over specific topics by using AM
Supplementary readings:
van Gelder, T. (2015). Using argument mapping to improve critical thinking skills. In The Palgrave handbook of critical thinking in higher education (pp. 183-192). Palgrave Macmillan, New York.
Dwyer, C. P., Hogan, M. J., & Stewart, I. (2011). The promotion of critical thinking skills through argument mapping.
Centre for Global Programmes, University of York. (2015). What is Argument Mapping?. University of York Global Studies Series Googlesite for 2015. https://sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/university-of-york-global-studies-series---autumn-2015/what-is-argument-mapping
4. Self-learning Exercise
4. Self-learning Exercise
Developing Arguments with Argument Map
Developing Arguments with Argument Map
Please choose one of the following topics, read the relevant readings, identify related issue(s) and develop your own argument(s) with proofs and evidences by using Argument Map. Your argument could be based on 1) the suggested readings*, 2) your own knowledge and 3) other resources you could find.
You can download the Argument Map template and an example with instructions below.
After completion, please feel free to send us your work by here!
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Introduction Video
Introduction Video
Topic 1: Single-Sex Schooling
Topic 1: Single-Sex Schooling
Suggested Reading: Halpern, D. F., Eliot, L., Bigler, R. S., Fabes, R. A., Hanish, L. D., Hyde, J., ... & Martin, C. L. (2011). The pseudoscience of single-sex schooling. Science, 333(6050), 1706-1707.
Related Field: Education, Gender
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Can you identify the issue and arguments in the article? Try to complete the Argument Map Exercise! Feel free to send us your work by here!
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Is single-sex schooling better than co-education?
Topic 2: Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities
Topic 2: Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities
Suggested Reading:
Wong, R. C. P., Szeto, W. Y., Yang, L., Li, Y. C., & Wong, S. C. (2018). Public transport policy measures for improving elderly mobility. Transport policy, 63, 73-79.
Labour and Welfare Bureau. (2021). Final Report of 'Comprehensive Review of the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities'.
Related Fields: Liberal Studies, Social Security, Social Equality
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested Issue: Does the Transport Fare Concession Scheme improve elderly mobility efficiently?
Topic 3: The brownfield sites in Hong Kong
Topic 3: The brownfield sites in Hong Kong
Suggested Reading:
Study on Existing Profile and Operations of Brownfield Sites in the New Terriotories - Planning Department
Song, Y., Kirkwood, N., Maksimović, Č., Zheng, X., O'Connor, D., Jin, Y., & Hou, D. (2019). Nature based solutions for contaminated land remediation and brownfield redevelopment in cities: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 663, 568-579.
Related Field: Geography , Housing Problem, Environmental Protection
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: How should the brownfield sites in Hong Kong be redeveloped?
Topic 4: Gender and Physical Education
Topic 4: Gender and Physical Education
Suggested Reading: Berg, P., & Lahelma, E. (2010). Gendering processes in the field of physical education. Gender and education, 22(1), 31-46.
Related Field: Physical Education, Gender Equality
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Should PE be co-educational to promote gender equality?
Topic 5: Facial Recognition Technology
Topic 5: Facial Recognition Technology
Suggested Reading: Lai, X., & Rau, P. L. P. (2021). Has facial recognition technology been misused? A user perception model of facial recognition scenarios. Computers in Human Behavior, 106894.
Related Field: ICT, Fcaial Recognition, Privacy
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Does Facial Recognition Technology do more good than harm to the society?
Topic 6: Mathematics Performance
Topic 6: Mathematics Performance
Suggested Reading:
Fleming, Grace. (2020, August 25). Why Math Is More Difficult for Some Students. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-math-seems-more-difficult-for-some-students-1857216
Juter, K. (2005). Students’ attitudes to mathematics and performance in limits of functions. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 17(2), 91-110.
Related Field: Mathematics Education, Student Diversity
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Is students’ attitude the most influential factor of Math performance?
Topic 7: Critique of Science Education
Topic 7: Critique of Science Education
Suggested Reading:
James Chan. (2019). "Limiting Science Education: Limiting Ourselves". The New York Times
Osborne, J. (2007). Science education for the twenty first century. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 3(3), 173-184.
Related Field: Science Education
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Is the current science education good for students?
Topic 8 : Street Art and Graffiti Legalization
Topic 8 : Street Art and Graffiti Legalization
Suggested Reading:
Chang, T. C. (2019). Writing on the Wall: Street Art in Graffiti‐free Singapore. International journal of urban and regional research, 43(6), 1046-1063.
Eunice Yip. (2016). Hong Kong’s graffiti scene is about more than illegal spray painting, says artist Uncle Tsang. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/yp/report/latest-reports/article/3068241/hong-kongs-graffiti-scene-about-more-illegal-spray
Related Field: Visual Art, Public Space, Aesthetic
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Should street graffiti be legalized in Hong Kong?
Topic 9: Music Streaming Service and Music Industry
Topic 9: Music Streaming Service and Music Industry
Suggested Reading:
Borja, K., Dieringer, S., & Daw, J. (2015). The effect of music streaming services on music piracy among college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 69-76.
Wlömert, N., & Papies, D. (2016). On-demand streaming services and music industry revenues—Insights from Spotify's market entry. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 33(2), 314-327.
Related Field: Music streaming service
*Please connect to EdUHK VPN or use the network inside campus to access the full-text of readings by clicking the thumbnails.
Need some help? Click HERE
Need some help? Click HERE
Suggested issue: Could music streaming service help the development of music industry?
If you would like to have the suggested argument maps of the above topics, please send us your completed work and indicate your preference in the evaluation form below.
5. Other Resources
5. Other Resources
Website:
Website:
The Independent Learning Centre, CUHK: https://www.ilc.cuhk.edu.hk/EN/ENResources/CriticalThinking_CriticalThinking.aspx
思方網 Critical Thinking Web: https://philosophy.hku.hk/think/
- The Critical Thinking Workbook by Global Digital Citizen Foundation: http://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/critical-thinking-workbook.pdf
Book:
Book:
Cottrell, S. (2017). Critical thinking skills: Effective analysis, argument and reflection. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (1990). Critical thinking. Rohnert Park, CA: Sonoma State University.
Online Course:
Online Course:
Department for Continuing Education, Unviersity of Oxford. "Critical Reasoning for Beginners"
http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/series/critical-reasoning-beginners
6. Feedback
6. Feedback
We treasure your valuable feedback on this material, please complete the evaluation form from the link below:
7. Reference
7. Reference
Berg, P., & Lahelma, E. (2010). Gendering processes in the field of physical education. Gender and education, 22(1), 31-46.
Borja, K., Dieringer, S., & Daw, J. (2015). The effect of music streaming services on music piracy among college students. Computers in Human Behavior, 45, 69-76.
Centre for Global Programmes, University of York. (2015). What is Argument Mapping?. University of York Global Studies Series Googlesite for 2015. https://sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/university-of-york-global-studies-series---autumn-2015/what-is-argument-mapping
Chang, T. C. (2019). Writing on the Wall: Street Art in Graffiti‐free Singapore. International journal of urban and regional research, 43(6), 1046-1063.
Dwyer, C. P., Hogan, M. J., & Stewart, I. (2011). The promotion of critical thinking skills through argument mapping.
Eunice Yip. (2016). Hong Kong’s graffiti scene is about more than illegal spray painting, says artist Uncle Tsang. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from: https://www.scmp.com/yp/report/latest-reports/article/3068241/hong-kongs-graffiti-scene-about-more-illegal-spray
Fleming, Grace. (2020, August 25). Why Math Is More Difficult for Some Students. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-math-seems-more-difficult-for-some-students-1857216
Gil-Flores, J., Rodríguez-Santero, J., & Torres-Gordillo, J. J. (2017). Factors that explain the use of ICT in secondary-education classrooms: The role of teacher characteristics and school infrastructure. Computers in Human Behavior, 68, 441-449.
Halpern, D. F., Eliot, L., Bigler, R. S., Fabes, R. A., Hanish, L. D., Hyde, J., ... & Martin, C. L. (2011). The pseudoscience of single-sex schooling. Science, 333(6050), 1706-1707.
Hyde, J. S., & Mertz, J. E. (2009). Gender, culture, and mathematics performance. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(22), 8801-8807.
James Chan. (2019). "Limiting Science Education: Limiting Ourselves". The New York Times
Joe Lau & Jonathan Chan. (2009). [C01] What is critical thinking?, Retrieved from: https://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php
Juter, K. (2005). Students’ attitudes to mathematics and performance in limits of functions. Mathematics Education Research Journal, 17(2), 91-110.
Labour and Welfare Bureau. (2021). Final Report of 'Comprehensive Review of the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities'
Lai, X., & Rau, P. L. P. (2021). Has facial recognition technology been misused? A user perception model of facial recognition scenarios. Computers in Human Behavior, 106894.
Murawski, L. M. (2014). Critical Thinking in the Classroom… and Beyond. Journal of Learning in Higher Education, 10(1), 25-30.
Natale, S., & Ricci, F. (2006). Critical thinking in organizations. Team Performance Management: An International Journal.
Noruzi, M. R., & Hernandez, J. G. V. (2011). Critical thinking in the workplace: characteristics, and some assessment tests. In 3rd International Conference on Information and Financial Engineering IPEDR (Vol. 12, pp. 295-298).
Osborne, J. (2007). Science education for the twenty first century. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 3(3), 173-184.
Schafersman, S. D. (1991). An introduction to critical thinking.
Snyder, L. G., & Snyder, M. J. (2008). Teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills. The Journal of Research in Business Education, 50(2), 90.
Song, Y., Kirkwood, N., Maksimović, Č., Zheng, X., O'Connor, D., Jin, Y., & Hou, D. (2019). Nature based solutions for contaminated land remediation and brownfield redevelopment in cities: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 663, 568-579.
van Gelder, T. (2015). Using argument mapping to improve critical thinking skills. In The Palgrave handbook of critical thinking in higher education (pp. 183-192). Palgrave Macmillan, New York.
Wlömert, N., & Papies, D. (2016). On-demand streaming services and music industry revenues—Insights from Spotify's market entry. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 33(2), 314-327.
Wong, R. C. P., Szeto, W. Y., Yang, L., Li, Y. C., & Wong, S. C. (2018). Public transport policy measures for improving elderly mobility. Transport policy, 63, 73-79.
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