Page 27 - Thinking Critically

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Summary: thinking for yourself

Critical thinking skills are an intrinsic element in your study – in your
reading, in writing your assignments and in working with others. Look
through your course materials for specific guidance on how to apply
critical thinking in your discipline, and remember that the sooner you
start to develop these skills the greater the benefit they will bring.

Remember, critical thinking skills involve:
• actively seeking all sides of an argument
• testing the soundness of the claims made

• testing the soundness of the evidence used to support the claims.

You will take these skills with you throughout your student life and
beyond into postgraduate study and your personal life. Being able to
think critically about complex issues is enjoyable and an exciting skill
to have.
As you practise and improve your abilities and your thinking becomes
more acute and discerning you will experience the pleasure of
becoming a truely independent learner and thinker.