Read/review the following resources for this activity:
THINK Critically by Peter Facione; Carol Ann Gittens
Textbook: Chapter 4, 5
Lesson
Instructions
Remember – these journal questions require more thinking than writing. Think about exactly what you are asked to do, and then write as economically as possible.
For this journal assignment, answer each of the following prompts:
Important Idea
Considering only the Introduction to Chapter 5, in terms of developing critical thinking and reasoning, what do you consider is the most valuable and important idea in that section? You can either summarize or directly quote the text; then, briefly explain why you find this idea important and valuable.
Critical Thinking
In Chapter 5, the section “Making Arguments” states: “In some ways applying our core critical thinking skills to analysis can be more difficult than offering an evaluative opinion. Analysis, like interpretation, is understanding at a deep level (p. 89)”
What concepts discussed in Chapter 4 might make analysis of a statement difficult – and why?
Beliefs
Why do you believe what you believe?
What is your “evidence”?
Test one of your beliefs by asking yourself, “Why?” As you answer each “why,” go down another layer – four layers will probably give you a good idea of why you believe what you believe.
Your product should show a well-reasoned and logical basis for your belief. Stay away from the big stuff, like believing in God, or who to vote for in the next election, and don’t look for sources – this is about what you believe and why you believe it. After all, this is only an 8-week course, and we can’t settle everything!
Click on the following link for an example of layers of why:
Example of Layers of Why
Note
Don’t be tempted to skip steps. If you start with layer 5, you have just opened up a whole new line of “whys.” For example, why should everyone be afforded an opportunity to reach his or her highest potential? After all, for most of the history of the world, that has not been the case.
If you include references to outside sources (beyond the textbook), make sure you cite them properly.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 1 ½ -2 pages (not including prompts, title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page (as needed)
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Journal Grading Rubric.
Outcomes
CO 1: Define critical reasoning for application to personal and professional problem-solving.
CO 4: Evaluate arguments by applying tests of truthfulness, logical strength, relevance, and non-circularity.
CO 6: Apply principles of critical reasoning to political, educational, economic, and/or social issues.
Due Date
By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Rubric
Journal Grading Rubric – 35 pts
Journal Grading Rubric – 35 pts
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength
5 pts
Meets length requirement
0 pts
Does not meet length requirement
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent Reflection
15 pts
Reflection demonstrates a high degree of critical thinking in applying, analyzing, and evaluating key course concepts and theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions activities, and/or assignments. Insightful and relevant connections made through contextual explanations, inferences, and examples.
12.75 pts
Reflection demonstrates some degree of critical thinking in applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating key course concepts and theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions activities, and/or assignments. Connections made through explanations, inferences, and/or examples.
11.25 pts
Reflection demonstrates limited critical thinking in applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating key course concepts and theories from readings, lectures, media, discussions, activities, and/or assignments. Minimal connections made through explanations, inferences, and/or examples.
9 pts
Reflection lacks critical thinking. Superficial connections are made with key course concepts and course materials, activities, and/or assignments.
0 pts
Little or no reflection; copies or repeats text or lecture.
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePersonal Growth
10 pts
Conveys strong evidence of reflection on own work with a personal response to the self-assessment questions posed. Demonstrates significant personal growth and awareness of deeper meaning through inferences made, examples, well developed insights, and substantial depth in perceptions and challenges. Synthesizes current experience into future implications.
8.5 pts
Conveys evidence of reflection on own work with a personal response to the self-assessment questions posed. Demonstrates satisfactory personal growth and awareness through some inferences made, examples, insights, and challenges. Some thought of the future implications of current experience.
7.5 pts
Conveys limited evidence of reflection on own work in response to the self-assessment questions posed. Demonstrates less than adequate personal growth and awareness through few or simplistic inferences made, examples, insights, and/or challenges that are not well developed. Minimal thought of the future implications of current experience.
6 pts
Conveys inadequate evidence of reflection on own work in response to the self-assessment questions posed. Personal growth and awareness are not evident and/or demonstrates a neutral experience with negligible personal impact. Lacks enough inferences, examples, personal insights and challenges, and/or future implications are overlooked.
0 pts
No evidence of reflection.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Quality
5 pts
Well written and clearly organized using standard English, characterized by elements of a strong writing style and basically free from grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling errors.
4.25 pts
Above average writing style and logically organized using standard English with minor errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling.
3.75 pts
Average and/or casual writing style that is sometimes unclear and/or with some errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling.
3 pts
Poor writing style lacking in standard English, clarity, language used, and/or frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling. Needs work.
0 pts
Lacks coherence; errors in grammar, usage and spelling interfere with readability and understanding to significant degree.
5 pts
Total Points: 35
