Education and Early Childhood Learning

Extending our understanding of critical thinking
Critical thinking is not about criticism or being disparaging to others; instead, it is “criterial thinking” (i.e., focused thinking while keeping in mind specific criteria). Critical thinking involves making a reasoned judgment while considering relevant criteria, such as what would be reasonable or sensible to believe or do.

Extending our understanding of critical thinking
Critical thinking is focused on making thoughtful decisions and reasoned judgments based on criteria. Rather than learners being cynical or discounting everything they read or hear, they are instead encouraged to be respectful, informed thinkers with ongoing attitudes of self-reflection.

Extending our understanding of critical thinking
Fully understood, thinking critically is usefully and creatively applied to any task we may want to undertake, ranging from engaging with daily news to making a decision about what course to take or how to solve a problem with a friend. Critical thinking is something we need to address and support learners within and across ALL disciplines and courses.

Extending our understanding of critical thinking
Children can begin to think critically from early childhood. In fact, research suggests that “there are kernels of critical thinking and rational thinking even in infancy” (Golinkoff & Hirsh-Pasek 162). The Delphi Report, a prolific study, focused on the topic of critical thinking in schools. It suggests “from early childhood, people should be taught…to reason, to see relevant facts, to consider options, and to understand the views of others” (Facione 27). Critical thinking is important to model and explore in intentional ways, starting with the earliest learners.