Promoting the development of critical thinking

Critical thinking needs to be defined as having a sceptical approach to information, analysing assumptions, defying our own reasoning, and identifying biases in arguments. Moreover, it is not based on memorising data or blindly accepting authority. A model developed by St Petersburg College researchers used to strengthen students’ critical thinking skills, suggests a series of three clear steps to achieve this:

1. ‘Defining the problem’ involves identifying it, collecting as many details as possible, pinpointing examples, and organising information logically.
2. ‘Identifying possible solutions’ demands reasoning about the most important goals, recognising implications and consequences, identifying facts, and critically analysing different solutions available.
3. ‘Choosing a solution’ requires using the gathered facts and relevant evidence, supporting and defending solutions considered valid, and making a case for such solutions.

However, our media and globalised world poses challenges in terms of what information is true and what is not, which demands continuous efforts in the field of media and information literacy (MIL). This is particularly in regards to contrasting pieces of information, analysing complex realities, and being able to recognise the difference between opinions and facts. In brief, MIL focuses on the role of the media, the functions of media, critical thinking, library literacy, digital literacy, the acquisition of information and communication technologies ( ICT), news literacy, and cultural diversity.

According to the non-governmental organisation Be Media Smart, the basic steps to develop critical thinking skills when using media are:

• Stop forming opinions based on content before you ask yourself whether it gives enough information about the topic. Keep in mind that just because something is viral does not necessarily mean it is true or legitimate.
• Think about the purpose of the information. Analyse your own biases and browse to see if the information is reported elsewhere.
• Check if the information is reported elsewhere. Pay attention to the web addresses, look at the details, check for accuracy, and ask an expert, if possible.