Journal

This will be my last blog entry for the semester for the class. The semester went flying by. I can't believe we're already finished. It was fun and informative and I had a good time all around. I was hesitant about school after so many years off but I think I've gotten in a groove and hopefully I stay in it for the rest of my time here at Lincloln. I hope you have a fun and safe trip Professor and I'll see you next fall.

What is Critical Thinking and are you a critical thinker?

I think critical thinking is an elevated from of thinking. It is the ability to look at information, either written or spoken, and be able to dissect it and see if it is sound in reasoning and presentation. It is the ability to think for yourself and not be told what to think. It is independent thinking without fear of being ostracized. It is being able to evaluate something without being biased or trying not be and not letting your emotions affect your thinking. I hope that I am a critical thinker. I like to think that I am. Atleast I know after this class I will definitly be a better critical thinker then I was when I started it.

CRCB Ch. 14 Mind Map

CRCB Ch. 14 Evaluating Internet Resources

Chapter fourteen is about evaluating information that is taken off of the web or the internet. The internet has become such a big part of our lives and there such vast amounts of information on it that one must know if it is credible or not. We must use our critical thinking skills every time we surf the internet. This chapter provides us a with a 7-step source evaluation system to help us. Step one is to know your purpose. Before you begin searching the internet, you need to be clear to yourself of exactly why you need the information and for what purpose. Step two is to double check your facts and sources. Step three is to consider the source for reliability and credibility. A credible site will tell you the author’s contact information and more importantly his or her credentials. Step four is to evaluate the look and content of a web-site. Ask yourself what the purpose of the site is. Is it to present information or is it to persuade. The next step is to consider the intended audience. See if the information on the web-site is too elementary or maybe too technical or even too advanced. This can help you determine the intended audience and you may decide it is not for you. The sixth step is to evaluate the writing itself. If you notice bad grammar or many mistakes then you may reconsider the credibility of the source. The seventh and final step is to compare the content with what you already know. By following these steps, we all can evaluate a websites overall reliability and credibility

TFY Ch. 9 Mind Map

TFY Ch. 9 Summary- Arguments

Chapter nine is about arguments and what makes a sound one. An argument is a statements or statements with a conclusion and reasons for the conclusion. If one ever reads arguments, and we all do, there are steps to critically reading it. You must read it objectively or hear it objectively and afterwards ask five questions to help you assess the argument. The first question is what viewpoint is the source of the argument. We previously learned that viewpoints can shape the contents of arguments so it is crucial to know the viewpoint of any argument. The second question to ask is what is the issue of controversy or issue at question. The third question is whether the argument is truly an argument or a report. There are distinct differences between the two. A purpose of a report is to offer information and not to advocate an opinion. If there are multiple sides to the report, the author should present all sides. Arguments, however, do advocate an opinion and not supposed to be neutral. The fourth question to ask yourself when trying to assess an argument is to ask yourself how is the argument structured in terms of reasons and conclusions. The chapter has a easy and quick method to do this. You must disassemble it by first identifying the conclusions and separating that statement from the reasons offered to support it. The conclusion in any argument is the last step of the reasoning but it may be stated at the end or anywhere really in the argument. The last question is what are the strengths and weaknesses of the argument. By following these steps, a student can better be prepared when coming across arguments or persuasive pieces in life. One must be a good critical thinker to know when an argument is faulty and contains unsound reasoning.

CRCB Ch. 11 Mind Map