1. Critical thinking as an educational ideal David Hitchcock (Li zhe) McMaster University [email_address]

2. 谢 谢

8. 1. Development: Alec Fisher and Michael Scriven ( Critical Thinking: Its Definition and Assessment , 1997) “ skilled and active interpretation and evaluation of observations, communications, information and argumentation”

14. Definition: relation to logical analysis

15. Educational ideal: basic argument Any system of education should aim to teach the knowledge, develop the skills, and foster the attitudes and dispositions of a “critical thinker”. A disposition to respond to perplexities with skillful critical thinking is helpful to anyone in managing their life. Attention to the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a critical thinker can improve them noticeably. Everybody encounters perplexities about what to believe or what to do. Skillful critical thinking is more likely to lead to a satisfactory resolution of such perplexities. Noticeable gain, more than expected. (Hitchcock 2004) Other studies found greater gains. A student can improve thinking in six different respects. (Swartz & Perkins 1990)

17. Educational ideal: three models Model Advantage Challenge Infusion (in subject courses) ready-made domain knowledge transfer Stand-alone course wide range of subject-matters domain knowledge may be missing Combination domain knowledge plus wide range of subject-matters institutional commitment