Competency 6: Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a skill that all UAS graduates should by the time they depart the educational institution. Being able to use one’s thought process by: conceptualizing, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, interpreting, and/or applying ideas and information, in multiple different ways and perspectives is essential. Critical thinkers are able to know how and when to apply their knowledge, for different situations and problems. Although every field of study hold their own and unique analytical approaches to problem solving, every discipline teaches and expects critical thinking from their students. Competency in critical thinking means that graduates are able to:

•Use a variety of different problem solving techniques to solve a variety of different types of problems.
•Know how and when to apply different types of knowledge.
•Look at one concept from multiple perspectives and frames of reference.

During my experience at UAS I have often been challenged to think critically withing my classes. As an English major and a student of the Humanities, it is expected for me to use a high level of critical thinking in each of my assignments and within our class discussions. Making connections from text to text, text to self, and text to other points of reference allow a better understanding of the content. English, Communication, and Humanities courses all challenged me through this mode of critical thinking in class participation and through paper for me to see a broader scope of the content I was learning about.

Research Paper on Fredrick Douglass
Leadership II Reader Response Paper

When I worked as a Student Teacher it was often my job to teach critical thinking to others. I would create activities would evoke critical thinking from different perspectives. Often these discussions revolved around multiculturalism, global issues, and social responsibility. By creating activities for others to practice critical thinking, I was gaining more knowledge from hearing the diverse opinions of others.

Interactive PowerPoint Presentation for A Global Community Teaching Activity
Humanities 120 Activity on Multiculturalism
Humanities 120 Activity "Who Stays?"

Finally as a Peer Advocate I often have to use critical thinking on the job to
solve problems when they arise. Everything from roommate conflicts, to Serious health issues are brought to my attention by students at UAS, and I am expected to use critical thinking as part of solving every issue that arises. I must be able to see one situation from many different perspectives, so that the situation is handled professionally, fairly, and to the best of my abilities.