Critical Thinking Skills Success is about changing the way you think about the way you think. Sound complicated? It’s not, especially when you learn how, lesson by 20-minute lesson. A critical thinker approaches problems and complicated situations aware of his or her thoughts, beliefs, and viewpoints.

Then, he or she can direct those thoughts, beliefs, and viewpoints to be more rational and accurate. A critical thinker is willing to explore, question, and search out answers and solutions. These skills not only mean greater success at school and at work, but they are the basis of better decisions and problem solving at home, too.

Critical thinking has been specifically identified by colleges and universities, as well as by many employers, as a measure of how well an individual will perform at school and on the job. In fact, if you are applying to college or graduate school, or for a job, chances are your critical thinking skills will be tested.

Standardized exams, such as the SAT and ACT, have sections on critical thinking. Employers such as federal and state governments, and many Fortune 500 companies, routinely test job applicants with exams such as the California Critical Thinking Test or the Cornell Critical Thinking Test.

Generally, critical thinking involves both problem solving and reasoning. In fact, these terms are often used interchangeably. But specifically, what are critical thinking skills? They include the ability to:

■ make observations
■ be curious, asking relevant questions and finding the resources you need
■ challenge and examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions against facts
■ recognize and define problems
■ assess the validity of statements and arguments
■ make wise decisions and find valid solutions
■ understand logic and logical argument

Language: English
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Critical thinking skills success in 20 minutes a day by  Lauren Starkey.—1st ed. (PDF)