Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading / Martha L. King.

An explanation of critical thinking and methods for fostering critical thinking through reading are presented. Critical thinking is defined (1) as the habit of examining and weighing an idea or a thing before accepting or rejecting it and (2) as a three-factor ability consisting of attitudes, function, and knowledge. Reading is seen as an effective vehicle for influencing critical thinking abilities through the enrichment and extension of concepts and through the facilitation of the use of language. The paper concludes that critical thinking can be fostered through reading if: (1) planned instruction in the essential knowledge and skill areas is provided; (2) materials are selected to teach specific knowledge skills; (3) teaching is planned to broaden the scope and raise the level of pupil's thinking; (4) students, while reading, are induced to actively engage in thinking about the communication; and (5) students have breadth of experience and opportunities to exchange ideas and beliefs in a nonthreatening classroom. (RT)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.