|
|
 "Perspectives on adult learning have changed dramatically over the decades. Adult learning has been viewed as a process of being freed from the oppression of being illiterate, a means of gaining knowledge and skills, a way to satisfy learner needs, and a process of critical self-reflection that can lead to transformation. The phenomenon of adult learning is complex and difficult to capture in any one definition." Cranton, P. (1994)
“You can’t lead the people if you don’t love
the people. You
can’t save the people if you won’t serve the
people.” Cornel West “We are now in one of the most truly prophetic moments in
the history of America. The poor and very poor are sleeping with
self-destruction. The working and middle classes are struggling
against paralyzing pessimism and privileged are swinging between
cynicism and hedonism. Yes, these are the circumstances that
people of conscience must operate under during this moment of
national truth or consequences. We have witnessed the breakdown of the social systems that
nurture our children. Our rootless children… have no cultural
armor to protect them while negotiating the terrors and traumas
of daily life. Young people need a community to sustain them, so
that they can look death in the face and deal with disease,
dread and despair. These days we are in deep trouble. The audacity of hope won the 2008 Democratic primary, yet
we are still living in the shadow of the vicious realignment of
the American electorate, provoked by the media’s negative
appeals to race and gender and the right-wing propaganda that
bashes vulnerable groups… Real hope is grounded in a
particularly messy struggle and it can be betrayed by naïve
projections of a better future that ignore the necessity of
doing the real work. So what we are talking about is hope on a
tightrope.“ Hope on a tightrope Dr. Cornel West
Critical Thinking Thinking critically and applying logical frameworks involves consciously observing, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, and problem solving according to well-tested standards. In this course, the basic knowledge needed for critical thinking is introduced. The results of this process are further evaluated according to standards for clarity, accuracy, relevance, reliability, and fairness. Thinking skills are then exercised through observation, analysis, and problem solving. Given the technological and informational revolution, there are ever increasing amounts of information available in most areas of industry and business. Through this course, the student develops strategies to evaluate the sources and appropriateness of the information, develops creative alternative solutions, and chooses, implements, and evaluates alternatives. The inclusion of a collaborative report and presentation prepares students for work in teams. Given the needs of business and industry, and of society as a whole, the skills associated with logic and critical thinking are essential. Logic and critical thinking are subjects that go well together and are generally and easily grouped together in an introductory class. The skills of logical and critical thinking are conducive to a student's ability to learn, change, and adapt to new and challenging situations.
ATTRIBUTES OF A CRITICAL THINKER
Ferrett, S. Peak Performance (1997). Links
Resources: Provided as a reference. Copy permission must be obtained from the author.
|
Professor Milon’s interests are in Adult Education and retention research, Critical thinking, Critical Pedagogy, Higher Educational assessment, Human Rights, and Statistical Research. Professor Milon has conducted presentations and seminars on Retention strategies and the Adult learner.
A Holistic Approach to Critical Thinking
Links
Alternative News Major
News Sources Critical Thinking Sources
|
