Critical Thinking Journal: How to Think
Overview
I use this assignment as my first writing prompt for my advanced composition and critical thinking course. I want to get them thinking about how they view the world and what has influenced that view.
Journal Prompt
When teaching in-person, 10 minutes is allotted for writing, followed by two minutes of pair sharing, then another three to five minutes of sharing as a class. In online courses, students submit this and other journals throughout the semester via Canvas assignments links. At times, journals are assigned as discussion prompts so students can share their thoughts with and receive feedback from their peers.
After watching the TedTalk "How to Think, Not What to Think" by Jesse Richardson, answer the following in your journal entry. Provide 3-5 sentence responses to EACH question.
- Explain the difference between HOW to think and WHAT to think.
- According to the speaker, how has the educational system failed to inspire creative and critical thinking? Do you agree?
- Why is it important to examine how we think?
- Who has influenced your opinions, biases, and manners of thought?
- How can creative and critical thinking make you a more informed person?