3: Critical thinking

Question 1

What type of reasoning is emphasized in Bouffard & Strean’s view of critical thinking?

Answer 1

Logico-deductive reasoning.

Question 2

Is “critical” meant to be negative in this context?

Answer 2

No—think of constructive criticism, not negativity.

Question 3

How does problem-based learning support professional development?

Answer 3

It assists with research, clinical, and teaching experiences by encouraging analytical thinking and real-world problem solving.

Question 4

what is critical thinking ?

Answer 4

• It has no “one” definition (Bouffard & Strean, 2003)
• “thinking that assesses itself” (Paul, 1995)
• “thinking about your thinking in order to
  improve your thinking” (Paul, 1995)
• Checking assumptions or what we take for
  granted and explore alternative ways to think
  (Stephen Brookfield, n.d.)
• “reflective thinking focused upon ‘what’ to
  believe and do” (Ennis, 1962)
• Being able to defy logic at times

Question 5

why would we think critically

Answer 5

1. better academic performance
2. increased self confidance
3. create more choices about how to think
4. create bigger personal dreams
5. protect your health, finances and self esteem
6. decide what to believe or what to do
7. an ability used standards … to evaluate or judge ideas
8. more effective in your communication

Question 6

How does early education differ from later (post-secondary) education in terms of learning?

Answer 6

Early education focuses on facts, memorization, and certainty, while later education encourages questioning the foundations of knowledge.

Question 7

How is knowledge viewed in a university setting?

Answer 7

As tentative and uncertain, open to questioning and revision.

Question 8

Why can questioning knowledge create anxiety?

Answer 8

Because uncertainty and not knowing the future can be uncomfortable.

Question 9

What are the limits of statistical prediction?

Answer 9

It’s not always accurate due to Type I & II errors, confidence intervals, etc.

Question 10

What strengthens the accuracy of research over time?

Answer 10

Power analyses, study replication, and consistent methodological rigor.

Question 11

cognitive psychology

Answer 11

• movement vs action
• every movement situation is a problem to be solved (adams - 1970s)
  Chapter written during:
• a paradigm shift from cognitive psychology to educational psycology / dynamic systems
• more recent shift is to empowered
• philosophical assumptions

Question 12

What shift in mindset does Harvey suggest?

Answer 12

Reframing from “a problem to be solved” to “solutions to construct.”

Question 13

What types of problems exist in a person’s cognitive space?

Answer 13

Both well-defined and ill-defined problems.

Question 14

“if, then” approach

Answer 14

“the learning of specific condition- action guidelines “

Question 15

if then statements

Answer 15

• linked to dependency
• knowing how to act or what to do in a specific situation - do the same things over and over

Question 16

why are if then statements in APA innefective

Answer 16

since there are infinite solutions to situations

Bouffard and Strean (2003) contend that university education should empower independent thought and ability to justify actions and beliefs

Question 17

3 types of situations in APA (Bouffard 2003)

Answer 17

1. the professional is asked to provide services for which he or she is fully prepared
2. the professional may not be adequately prepared
3. everything in between both extremes

Question 18

how to critically develop individualized PA programs

Answer 18

1. do I know enough about the participant
2. do i have the necessary knowledge and skills ?
3. ask: what do you want to do?
4. how will you do it? (APA teaching model)
5. evalutation?
6. Reflection