Becoming a critical thinker

Synopsis

The Fifth Edition of Becoming a Critical Thinker has increased its market appeal by enhancing sections on persuasive communication and evaluating arguments, while continuing to stress concrete and practical applications of critical thinking in everyday situations. Coverage of technology has also been enhanced. The text breaks up critical thinking into a series of cumulative activities, taking a "student-as-consumer-of-information" perspective that encourages students to apply the skills outlined to their own lives. This unique approach has made this text a staple of many critical thinking courses. The Fifth Edition strengthens the connection between critical thinking and career preparation with new material throughout the text that focuses on communication and the evaluation of evidence in the workplace. Additionally, a new section in Chapter 6 called "Thinking Critically about Careers" addresses practical ways to apply critical thinking to career decisions. With the goals of improving students' sense of self-empowerment and their ability to communicate effectively in any situation, this text helps create a flow from the fundamentals of thinking to the exploration of arguments and evidence. A concise structure makes the text a useful supplement to any student success course. "Good Thinking" boxes feature profiles of individuals that underscore the role of critical thinking in achievement. These boxes appear throughout the text and offer students a variety of role models to emulate. Exercises encourage students to put strategies to practical use in their daily lives. Students are also asked to analyze and compare real arguments and viewpoints on contemporary topics as a way of expanding their own reasoning capabilities. Quizzes at the end of each chapter allow students to test their understanding of chapter concepts.