Critical thinking at University

While critical thinking is something we all engage in to manage our day to day lives, the word 'critical' is commonly thought to have a quite negative meaning, for example finding fault with someone or something. At university, however, 'critical' has a broader meaning: being critical involves making judgements and evaluations. Making judgements can involve distinguishing between fact and opinion or evaluating the validity of information sources or the validity of particular theories and/ or their application to particular situations. These judgements need to be well grounded in research, wide reading, and include consideration of all possible viewpoints. Critical thinking in this sense is based on a synthesis of a number of factors, and is not just uninformed personal opinion.

Critical thinking is integral to academia generally because this is the main way that knowledge is added to a field. While academics in a particular field may agree with the conclusions of a particular piece of research, these conclusions may open up other questions which need to be answered. Only through constantly questioning:

what if?

how could?

what does this mean for…? etc

is new knowledge added to a field, allowing for the constant evolution of academic disciplines. In this way, academic disciplines are constantly evolving.

Critical thinking, or a critical approach, is a desirable skill in ALL aspects of university work because this is what will allow your knowledge and skill to develop and evolve. It's necessary in your:

reading

note making

assignment writing

tutorial presentations

and, for students whose studies involve a practical component, your professional practice.