Foundations for Critical Thinking explores the landscape of critical-thinking skill development and pedagogy through foundational chapters and institutional case studies involving a range of students in diverse settings. Establishing a link between active learning and improved critical thinking encourages all higher education professionals, in whatever context, to join the ongoing conversation regarding the state of today’s college students’ critical-thinking ability. Faculty will find strategies for developing successful teaching techniques to prepare students to face the challenges of a global economy and lead creative, productive, and fulfilling lives. Staff and administrators working with students in a variety of capacities will find insights for moving critical thinking development beyond the classroom.
Notes From the Editor—Toni Vakos
Part I: Foundations
Chapter 1: Beyond Critical Thinking: Teaching the Thinking Skills Necessary to Academic and Professional Success—William T. Daly
Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations for Critical Thinking—Barbara F. Tobolowsky
Chapter 3: The Process of Becoming a Critical Thinker—Christine Harrington
Chapter 4: Professional Development and Critical Thinking: Influencing
the How, Who, and What of Faculty Practice—Marc Chun
Chapter 5: How Do We Know Students Think Critically? —Trudy Bers
Part II: Critical-Thinking Case Studies
Introduction to the Case Studies—Toni Vakos
California State University, Monterey Bay—Enhanced Critical Thinking Using Collaborative Faculty Assessment of Student Work
The Community College of Baltimore County—A Proven Model for Assessing and Improving Critical-Thinking Skills
Purdue University—The Impact of Engaging Undergraduates in Course-Based Authentic Research Experiences
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey—Evolution of the Stockton Critical Thinking Institute
Seton Hall University—Fostering Critical Thinking: The Impact of Graduate Internships
Virginia Tech—Critical Thinking in the Disciplines: The First-Year Experience
University of South Carolina, Aiken—Think DEEP: A Critical Inquiry Program for First-Year Students
Washington State University—Engaging At-Risk First-Year Students in Critical Thinking and Scholarly Inquiry
Index
About the Chapter Authors
“Critical thinking is one of the most popular catch phrases in higher education. This carefully crafted and insightful text will guide practitioners in not only understanding what is meant by critical thinking, but also in the design and implementation of meaningful learning experiences for their students.”
Brad Garner, Director of Faculty Enrichment, Center for Learning and Innovation at Indiana Wesleyan University
