Beacon College Institute for Critical Thinking

Teaching Model

There are several ways that nurturing critical thinking can accomplished. Perhaps the most important way is by creating a safe and trusting environment for students to practice their critical thinking.

Beacon College creates a learner-focused environment where students feel free to practice and take ownership of their thinking. This has been accomplished by the campus community using the Elements of Critical Thinking developed by the Foundation for Critical Thinking. The Elements of Critical Thinking require that students be reflective about the critical thinking process, to actively seek control over their thoughts, and evaluate errors in thinking.

For example, when confronted by a problem or issue, students are encouraged to ask:

• What is the question I am trying to answer? What question am I raising? Having a clear understanding of the question, helps students eliminate useless side issues and focus on the real issue at hand.

• What is my purpose for addressing this issue? What am I trying to accomplish? Is it my place to be involved in this issue?

• Do I have all the information I need to address this issue? Is the information I have relevant and reliable?

• Am I making any assumptions? What am I taking for granted? Are these assumptions leading me to a wrong conclusion?

• From what point of view am I looking at the issue? Am I looking at this from the other person’s perspective? Is there another point of view that I should consider?

• What are the consequences of my decision? If someone accepted my position, what would the implications be?

Critical thinking, as a process, can be used by students in everyday situations. Students with learning disabilities especially need critical thinking skills to survive in today’s changing world. Teaching essential critical thinking skills helps students control their thinking rather than being controlled by their thoughts. This approach has tremendous potential benefits for students both academically as well as in their everyday lives.