Thinking in College

Make sure that you understand what kind of thinking you will develop in college. If you are not clear, discuss it with the instructor of this course, another instructor, or a staff member in the learning center.

Find ways to express your imagination and curiosity, and practice asking questions. If you have the impulse to raise a question, don’t stifle yourself. College is the perfect venue for self-expression and exploration.

Challenge your own and others’ assumptions that are not supported by evidence. To help you better understand someone’s position on a given issue, practice asking for additional information in a calm, polite manner that does not reject his or her ideas.

During class lectures, presentations, and discussions, practice thinking about the subjects being discussed from multiple points of view. Start with the view that you would most naturally take toward the matter at hand. Then, force yourself to imagine what questions might be raised by someone who doesn’t see the issue the same way you do.

Draw your own conclusions and explain to others what evidence you considered that led you to these positions. Don’t assume that anyone automatically understands why you reached your conclusions.

Seek out opportunities for collaboration. Join study groups or class project teams so you can collaborate with other students. When you are a member of a team, volunteer for roles that challenge you. That is how you will really experience significant gains in learning and development.

Learn to identify false claims in commercials and political arguments. Then look for the same faulty reasoning in people’s comments you hear each day.

Practice critical thinking, not only in your academic work, but also in your everyday interactions with friends and family. Your environment both in and out of college will give you lots of opportunities to become a better critical thinker.