Critical thinking is a key component to ITSE and CCSS. It is also an important skill for all students to gain in order to excel in the professional world.  Critical thinking is “a decision making process to solve problems based on evidence and logical reasoning” (DSST,  2015).  When people have the ability to process information and logically form their own thoughts, they are able to actively participate in society. The professional world requires thinkers, who are able to analyze, research, and reason.  By default, we are thinkers, and are constantly developing new ideas. “But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced” (Paul and Elder, 2001). It is for that reason that it is so important for students to learn and develop their critical thinking skills.

     As Educators it is our job to provide students with the resources and tools necessary to succeed.  Technology has provided educators with an unlimited list of resources to help foster and encourage critical thinking among students. The Internet provides an enormous amount of information. Students should be taught how to properly research and sort through this information. Through the development of critical thinking students can use the Internet to research, compare, reflect, and create ideas.  For example, on a research paper students can use Google scholar to look up articles, compare opinions, fact check, look for bias, reflect, and form their own opinions.

   

 

DSST. (2015). Critical Thinking: What Is It and Why Is It So Important?  Retrieved October 10, 2016, from: http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766

 

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2001). The miniature guide to critical thinking: Concepts & tools. Foundation Critical Thinking.