Open Access10: DEFINING CRITICAL THINKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Author(s) -
Stassen Martha L. A.,
Herrington Anne,
Henderson Laura
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
to improve the academy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-4822
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-4822.2011.tb00653.x
Subject(s) - critical thinking , accountability , psychology , higher education , process (computing) , engineering ethics , pedagogy , mathematics education , political science , computer science , engineering , law , operating system
Critical thinking is an important learning outcome for higher education, yet the definitions used on campuses and national assessment instruments vary. This article describes a mapping technique that faculty and administrators can use to evaluate the similarities and differences across these definitions. Results demonstrate that the definitions reflected by standardized tests are more narrowly construed than those of the campus and leave dimensions of critical thinking unassessed. This mapping process not only helps campuses make better‐informed decisions regarding their responses to accountability pressures; it also provides a stimulus for rich, evidence‐based discussions about teaching and learning priorities related to critical thinking.