TG_Video: Psychologist Explains What Critical Thinking Is

Age Group(s): Owlins (9-11)

Hello, Teachers!

PREDICTION / BRAINSTORMING FOR STUDENTS
1. What do you think “critical thinking” means?
2. Can you think of a time when you had to solve a difficult problem? How did you approach it?

WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN

1. Define critical thinking and its importance in everyday life
2. Identify key skills associated with critical thinking
3. Understand the relevance of critical thinking in education and the workplace
4. Recognize the need for critical thinking in a rapidly changing world
5. Explore the application of critical thinking skills in various situations

KEYWORDS

Critical thinking, clear thinking, goal-directed thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, biases, fallacies, correlation, causation, hindsight bias, regression to the mean, evidence, credibility, workplace skills, citizenship, democracy

A QUICK SUMMARY

The transcript discusses the concept of critical thinking, defining it as good, clear, and goal- directed thinking. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in various aspects of life, including problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. The speaker highlights the demand for critical thinking skills in education and the workplace, noting that these skills are essential in a rapidly changing world.

The transcript also touches on the need for explicit instruction in critical thinking, as it doesn’t necessarily develop as a byproduct of general education. It provides examples of critical thinking skills, such as distinguishing correlation from causation, avoiding hindsight bias, and assessing information credibility. The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching these skills in a way that allows students to apply them across various situations and domains.

Finally, the transcript discusses the societal impact of critical thinking, including its role in combating misinformation, making informed consumer choices, and supporting democratic citizenship.

As we introduce this year’s theme of “Analytical Thinking: Navigating Complexity”, through this video, it’s important for your students to engage with both the transcript and the visuals. The transcript provides key information, while the visuals enhance understanding and provide more information by illustrating concepts and adding context!