| Resources - Critical Thinking
(from
Critical Thinking, Vincent Ryan Ruggiero)
Choose your time and place and set a goal for yourself each time you work.
Read actively. Sit upright in a chair at a desk where you can actively
concentrate on the material you are reading.
SQ4R method for reading actively:
S
Survey the material |
Take 2-3 minutes to view the chapter material.
Note the chapter title; read the introduction; read the first sentence
of each paragraph; note the headings of each section; check the diagrams,
charts, picture; read the captions; read the summary, conclusion or
last few paragraphs.
|
Q
Question |
Formulate questions based on the chapter headings; use WHO, WHAT,
WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW to turn each chapter heading into a question
that can guide your reading.
|
R
Read |
Read quickly to answer your questions; by going into your reading
with a set of questions you know what you are looking for before you
start; read with a straight edge or pencil under the type.
|
R
Review |
Have you properly answered your questions?
Did you miss any major points?
Do you understand the major concepts?
|
R
Recite |
Read
questions and answers out loud to reinforce your learning. |
R
Relate |
Compare what you are studying to something you are familiar with.
Review: Consider your questions and answers. Have you missed anything?
Did you answer all your questions? Are some of your questions not
important? Are there other questions that you should have asked?
|
Concentrate
on your task.
Divide large task into workable parts.
Write
a summary: This promotes understanding if you can express what you have
read in your own words.
Emphasize
key points, make assertions, develop them and support your ideas.
Make
sure your summary is accurate.
Take a break after 45- 50 minutes of good work.
Reward
yourself after completing a task.
The StFX Writing Guide reminds us of the importance of constant questioning.
This process helps to narrow a thesis statement, and develop a focused
assertive introduction. Reflect on the ideas.
How does a particular reading relate to other readings, your knowledge
and personal experience?
What other experiences, including readings support these ideas?
What experiences challenge the ideas?
Is that challenge real or only apparent?
Is the challenge a major or minor matter?
What are the implications of this reading for your organization or community?
Who is involved?
Is the process working?
What is working well now (strengths)?
What can be improved?
Will change work?
What is the impact of the change?
What is required to make it work?
What are the major causes ?
What are the weaknesses?
How has the process gotten to this point?
How does this issue compare with others?
Are the ideas clear?
Is there good supporting evidence?
Are the statements based on facts or opinions?
Think,
Plan, Organize, Write, Revise, Edit, Proofread
| Brainstorm |
Write
down all ideas relevant to topic, question. |
| Plan |
Make a detailed outline. |
| Draft |
Write
using concrete details and maintaining focus. |
| Revise |
Eliminate
any cliches and sentences beginning with "it is" or "there
are"; make important ideas stand out.
Use active verbs to make your paper assertive.
Vary sentence length. |
| Proofread |
Reread
the paper and check clarity of writing and grammar. |
| Edit |
Make necessary changes. |
|
Webmail