Read 120 Group Presentation – Barriers to Critical Thinking

PURPOSE:

This project is designed to dispel some common misconceptions about critical reading and thinking and to make you aware of some blocks to thinking critically.

1.      Critical thinking is not the same as disagreement.

2.      Critical thinking does not aim to embarrass or humiliate.

3.      Critical thinking does not entail nitpicking.

4.      Critical thinking does require imagination and creativity.

5.      Critical thinking can be applied to our own opinions and beliefs, as well as to those of others.

Critical thinking emphasizes the need for a rational basis for belief and provides procedures for analyzing, testing, and evaluating opinions and beliefs. Critical thinking is necessary if we are to make sense of what we hear and read, gain insight into the information and claims that bombard us, make discussions more illuminating, and develop and evaluate our own positions on issues.

Many people don’t, can’t, or won’t think critically. The main reason for this inadequacy is that people fall victim to certain blocks and/or clichéd patterns of viewing things.

PROCEDURE:

1. Select one of the following blocks to critical thinking:

•     Cultural Conditioning and Egocentric Thinking

•     Reliance on Authority

•        Hasty Moral Judgment

•        Black and White Thinking

•        Labels

•        Resistance to Change

•        Limited Frame of Reference

Individually:

2. Prepare a summary and at least one original example of the obstacle you selected.    Due __________ . Make two copies of this individual paper: One to turn in to me on the due date above and one to turn in as an attachment to the group paper (See step 3 below).

As a Group:

3. Create a group paper that includes a summary and several examples. Use the individual papers as a starting point.
4. Develop a means of presenting and illustrating the obstacle for the class. View Sample Powerpoint Presentation
5. Make an oral presentation of your obstacle to the class and submit your group paper on ___________.

EVALUATION:

Quality of individual paper..................…………………………  30 points

Your individual paper will be evaluated using the criteria for a summary as presented in CTRW (pgs. 36 – 41). The example should be original (i.e., created by you) and should clearly illustrate the barrier you have chosen.

Quality of group paper..................……………………………… 35 points

Your paper will be evaluated on clarity and thoroughness. Papers should be typed and double-spaced to receive full credit. (1.5 or 2 pages in length). Attach individual summaries (see step 2. above) to your group paper.

Quality of presentation.....………………………………............. 35 points

Your presentation will be evaluated on:

Clarity and thoroughness in explaining the barrier

Appropriate examples and illustrations

Suggestions for practical application

Engagement of audience

Organization and preparation

View Sample Powerpoint Presentation