The Skillful Teacher

Exhibit 1.
Scaffolding Notes for a Lecture on Critical Thinking
SECTION A: Understanding Critical Thinking
How Do People Define Critical Thinking?
The process of identifying and checking the assumptions underlying our ideas,
beliefs, and actions, and those of others.
Example:
What Are Assumptions?
Paradigmatic (structuring, taken for granted)
Example:
Prescriptive (assumptions about what ought to be)
Example:
Causal (assumptions about cause and effect)
Example:
Why Is Critical Thinking Important?
For our intellectual development
To make sure our actions are informed
To hold authority accountable—“speaking truth to power”
To create democracy
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