| Ask Questions |
| Why Ask Questions? |
- One quality of a good critical thinker is the ability to ask on-target questions.
- When you don’t ask questions, you sacrifice your education.
- If you don’t take risks, you won’t get the maximum benefit in developing your
mind
|
| Why Not Ask? |
- Fear embarrassment?
- Worry what others will think of you?
- Worry that the instructor will think your question is strange?
- Worry that others will think you’re showing off?
|
| Questions can |
- Read the lines.
- React to the lines.
- Read between the lines.
- Read beyond the lines
|
Stupid
Questions |
- Almost no such thing
- There are unwelcome questions.
- Questions that detract from the momentum of the class.
- Questions that focus more on self-concerns than on the needs of the class.
- Questions that demonstrate you failed to pay attention.
|
| Just Do It |
- Before each of your remaining classes this week, look through your notes or reading
assignment and develop a set of questions to ask in class.
- Create a variety of kinds of questions
- straightforward, clarification questions
- more in-depth questions prompting further exploration
- Ask at least one question in each class.
|
| Offer Criticism |
- You will be asked to judge or evaluate issues in college.
- First decide whether you like what you are being asked to judge.
- Consider both positive and negative attributes.
- Use examples to support your judgement.
- Don’t be intimidated. Your instructors want you to develop your critical thinking
skills.
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