Critical Thinking Building the Basics

by Walter, Timothy L.; Knudsvig, Glenn M.; Smith, Donald E. P.

• ISBN13: 9780534599768
• ISBN10: 0534599761
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-03-18
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

This text is a guide to critical thinking and composition courses. It covers just the basics of critical thinking using an acronym called TCDR (Topic, Class, Description, Relevance). The text grounds the student in the basics of the technique and uses exercises to drive lessons home. It also shows students how to use critical thinking across the curriculum. In addition, the new Part Three covers critical thinking in relation to using new computer technology. This book can be used as a main text or a supplement.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	ix
PART I A Basic Strategy for Learning and Thinking Smart
The TCDR Strategy: Topic -class-Description-Relevance	3	(2)
Good Answers to Key Questions	5	(1)
Exercise Set A: Introduction to TCDR	5	(5)
Exercise Set B: Identifying Topic and Class	10	(2)
Exercise Set C: Categorizing Information	12	(6)
Exercise Set D: TCDR in Textbooks	18	(23)
PART II Making the TCDR Strategy Work for You
Exercise Set A	41	(1)
Developing Questions and Evaluating Answers	41	(4)
Improving Your Thinking by Getting Feedback	45	(1)
More Points for You to Evaluate	46	(1)
Thinking Point	47	(1)
TCDR as a Cognitive Strategy	47	(1)
TCDR: A Key to Strong Thinking	48	(1)
Developing More Questions	49	(1)
Learning from Another Person's Input	50	(1)
Exercise Set B	51	(1)
Another Strategy for Improving Thinking	51	(3)
Evaluating Your Own Answers	54	(1)
Getting a Second Opinion	55	(1)
More Points for You to Evaluate	56	(1)
Developing More Questions and Answers	57	(1)
Your Five Questions and Answers	57	(1)
It's Time to Move On	58	(10)
Reading Excerpt from Introduction to Psychology	60	(8)
James Kalat
PART III: Learning from Your Computer
Learning from Your Computer Need Not Be a Problem	68	(1)
Questions You Need to Ask about Using Your Computer	69	(1)
The End Product: What Is It You Want to Achieve as You Learn from Your Computer?	70	(1)
Simulating a Computer-Learning Experience	71	(1)
Principles of Success	72	(1)
Your Strategy for Using the Four Principles of Success	73	(3)
How to Use Your Computer to Find Questions and to Develop Answers	76	(1)
Develop Your Questions by Surveying Your Chapter	77	(4)
The Missing Link: What Do Good Questions and Answers Look Like?	81	(5)
Learning from Professional Journals	86	(1)
Learning from Books of Fiction and Nonfiction	87	(2)
The Psychology behind Learning to Learn	89	(1)
Conclusion	90	(1)
Part I--Answer Key	91