Competences and skills for study and academic activities

What is critical thinking? - Chapter 1

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What is the importance of critical thinking?

For us humans, there is an importance in critical thinking because it aids us in making good decisions. Often we do not realise how irrational our decisions can be, and this is where critical thinking comes in. Critical thinking basically means thinking about our thinking. We make use of logic and reason to determine whether or not a claim is true, if the reasoning behind it is sound and if we can draw a correlation or connection. It is not necessarily about coming up with claim as much as evaluating the correctness of claims that have been made and try to form a proper conclusion.

To achieve this, we evaluate our thinking on the basis of rationality. When we understand how critical thinking works, we can use this knowledge to be critical in multiple subjects and situations in our daily lives. It is, however, important to understand that criticising other people’s claims and ideas does not mean that we want to attack other people, only that we are trying to find the logic in them. Also, criticising other people in not always a case of critical thinking. People can criticise in the most illogical and unreasonable ways, without considering whether or not their claims are true or their reasoning sound.

When we come to a conclusion at the end of a reasoning, we call that a belief. Beliefs are prepositional and can be either true or false. Beliefs can be compared to a judgement or an opinion. When a belief is stated in a declarative way, that is when we start calling it a claim or statement. Claims are things that we can think critically about.

What are important elements of critical thinking?

Within critical thinking, there are three important parts: claims, issues and arguments. These parts can be analysed once they have been determined in conversation or writing.

Claims

Claims are things that we write or declare, to bring across information. With claims we often deal with statements, opinions or beliefs. Claims can be true or false and can be

Chapter 1: Literature

Literature review A detailed overview of the significant literature available about your chosen topic, providing a discussion and critical evaluation, and using clear argument to contextualise and justify your research. (p. 4)

Peer review The process of evaluating an article by experts to ensure the article meets quality criteria before being accepted for publication. (p. 9)

Textbooks Written specifically for audiences such as students or professionals. Material usually presented in an ordered and relatively accessible form. Often draw on a wide range of sources including peer-reviewed academic journal articles. Useful, particularly as an introductory source to get an overview of your research topic and find out who are the recognised experts. (p. 10)

Peer-reviewed academic journal articles Provide detailed reports of research. Articles written by experts in the field and evaluated by other academics (peer reviewers) to assess quality and suitability. Pay rigorous attention to detail and verification of information. Usually contains extensive list of references. Before publication, have usually been revise in response to comments. This is the most useful type for your literature review. Not all academic journal articles are peer-reviewed. (p. 10)

Non-refereed academic journal articles Articles may provide detailed reports of research. Articles selected by an editor or editorial board with subject knowledge. Relevance and usefulness varies considerably. Beware of possible bias. (p. 10)

Professional and trade journal articles Articles written for members of professional or trade organisations, so related to their needs. Consist of a mix of news items and more detailed accounts of a practical nature. Articles rarely based on research, although some provide summaries of research. Can provide useful insights into practice, although may be biased. Need to be used with considerable caution. (p. 10)

Newspaper articles Articles written for members of public, most newspapers addressing a particular market segment. News presented is filtered dependent on events, priority being given to headline-grabbing stories that are likely to appeal to the readers. Good source of topical events and developments. May contain bias in reporting and coverage. (p. 10)

Conference proceedings Articles consist of selected papers presented at a conference, often published as a book or special edition of a journal. Usually peer-reviewed. Increasingly available online. Sometimes difficult to find. Very useful if the theme of the conference matches your research. (p. 10)

Reports Reports on specific topics written by academics and various organisations, including market research organisations and government departments. Beware of possible bias. May not have gone through same review process as peer-reviewed academic journal articles, but those from established organisations are often of high quality. Often difficult to access or expensive to purchase. Can be a useful source of information when

Summaries per chapter with the 1st edition of Writing Psychology Research Reports by Starreveld

Professional skills in pedagogy encompass the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes that educators and educational professionals need to effectively work with children, young people, and adults. These skills are essential for guiding learning processes, creating safe and stimulating learning environments, and ensuring the optimal development of individuals.

What are the main features of professional skills in pedagogics?

• Scientific Foundation: Skills are based on research in learning, development, and effective teaching practices.
• Reflection and Critical Thinking: Educators can reflect on their practice, critically evaluate their work, and continuously develop their knowledge and skills.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication with students, parents, colleagues, and others is crucial. Collaboration is key to creating optimal learning environments.
• Diversity Awareness: Recognizing and valuing differences, educators can work effectively with learners from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and needs.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Educators act in accordance with ethical principles and professional codes of conduct.

What are the most important sub-areas of professional skills in pedagogics?

• Instructional Science: Teaching skills, lesson planning, assessment methods, learning processes.
• Developmental Psychology: Cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children and young people.
• Educational Sciences: Educational styles, parental involvement, managing challenging behaviors.
• Classroom Management: Creating safe and stimulating environments, classroom management techniques.
• Special Education: Supporting learners with special educational needs.

What are the most important concepts of professional skills in pedagogics?

• Learning: How people learn in different ways and how to optimize learning processes.
• Development: The stages of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
• Education: The principles and practices of effective teaching.
• Inclusion: Creating learning environments where all students feel welcome, valued, and challenged.

Who are the most influential figures of professional skills in pedagogics?

• John Dewey: American philosopher and educator, advocated for experiential learning.
• Jean Piaget: Swiss psychologist, known for his theory of cognitive development.
• Lev Vygotsky: Russian psychologist, emphasized the role of social interaction in learning.
• Paulo Freire: Brazilian educator, proponent of critical pedagogy.
• Maria Montessori: Italian physician and educator, developer of the Montessori method.

Why is professional skills in pedagogics important?

Professional skills in pedagogy are crucial for:

• Promoting the optimal development of children, young people, and adults.
• Guiding effective learning processes.
• Creating safe and stimulating learning environments.
• Addressing diversity and inclusion.
• Acting ethically and professionally.

What are applications of professional skills in pedagogics in practice?

Pedagogical professionals with strong skills work in diverse settings, including:

• Schools: Teachers, lecturers, educational support staff.
• Early Childhood Education: Educators, childcare providers.
• Youth Work: Youth workers, youth coaches.
• Special Education: Educational support staff, pedagogues.
• Other Educational Settings: Trainers, instructional designers, curriculum developers.