Easy Steps to Improve Critical Thinking

By Nnachetam Calista Chinonye

Some people believe critical thinking means to evaluate issues in a rather pessimistic way. This is not the case.To think critically is to be able to methodically examine issues based on facts as opposed to personal opinions and feelings. Doing this helps to solve problems efficaciously, and arrive at successful conclusions, thereby making better decisions. While gut feeling should sometimes be trusted, gut feelings are not empirical. It is important to practice how to think in ways that can help us draw sound conclusions.

In critical thinking, the aim is to identify basic assumptions in an argument, practice deductive reasoning, breakdown complex problems into manageable parts, learn from past mistakes and identify areas for improvement. This is important as it helps us to logically connect ideas and scrutinize and evaluate arguments. It also helps us find inconsistencies and errors in our work and the work of others, solve complex problems, and engage in reflection.

The first step to being a critical thinker is becoming self-aware. This involves assessing your values, morals, ethics and thought process, and challenging commonly held beliefs or ideas. You must think about what you believe in and how your thoughts reflect these values. Also, knowing your likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses can help you comprehend why you approach situations from a particular perspective.

Consider diverse viewpoints: This means seeking out perspectives that differ from your own. It involves engaging in conversations with people with different experiences, beliefs, and opinions, reading books by diverse authors and even participating in multicultural events. This is important as it helps to gain a broader understanding of different perspectives on various issues, and makes you question your own beliefs, allowing for improvement and personal growth.

Critical evaluation to develop a deeper comprehension of texts and enhance your ability to analyze and evaluate information. This can be achieved by
(i) Reading unfavorably; Texts should be approached with a controversial mindset. Try to find out the main message or argument, find out if there are any biases and make sure to evaluate the credibility of the author.
(ii) Making connections; Connect the text to your own knowledge, belief, and experiences. 

Verify the credibility and reliability of sources: Look at where the information is from and find out if the source is trustworthy. Try to avoid anonymous sources. Check the accuracy of every story or assumption you see on social media. Examine whether the arguments presented are lucid by cross-referencing with reputable sources or single-handedly conducting research. 

Creatively solve problems: This entails thinking outside the box to find solutions. This can be achieved by being inquisitive and exploring unconventional ideas, brainstorming, applying ideas from different fields to your problems and trying new approaches. Curiosity is a fundamental trait of critical thinkers, so make sure to ask a lot of ‘who,’ ‘what,’ and ‘why’ questions.

The fastest way to improve your analytical mind is to read widely and we are here for that. Click here to access our array of e-books and visit us at 196, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi to borrow any book of your choice.