One term that has been revisited in each and every college course is “critical thinking”. It is of utmost importance, not only in college, but also as we reach forward to realize our professional goals. In the article the author lists skills that all students should acquire in order to be considered “critical thinkers”. These skills, or elements, include interpretation, analysis, evaluation, explanation, and self –regulation. Interpretation, or the ability to understand the information being presented and communicating the meaning of that information to others is key in learning (Tilus, 2012). Analysis and evaluation enable us to connect pieces of information together while deciding if the facts presented are credible and reliable or biased opinion (Tilus, 2012). Explanation requires us to take the information we have learned, and not only relay that information but also add clarity and perspective. Self- regulation is something we don’t always consider when critical thinking is involved, but it is arguably most important of all; it ensures we reach out for help when we may not know the correct answer or proper protocol. Pretending to know more than we do can have foolish, empty results.Article 1: , by Lindsey Holmes This article is published in in the health and wellness section. As someone that has an interest in mental health, I found this article to be intriguing. The author explains how we have come to use terms such as “depressed”, “crazy”, “OCD” , and “suicidal “in our everyday language without much thought to negative implications or intonations. She uses critical thought in approaching the reasons why this is harmful and hurtful to not only those struggling with mental health disorders, but also to the general population. She explains the affects it has on our views of mental disorders, and the stigma attached to it because of the carelessness of popular terms. Her article teaches and encourages readers to not only change the terms that are being used to avoid hurting others, but to hopefully dissolve the stigma attached to the disorders themselves. She displays critical thinking by evaluating the situation, presenting a solution, and explaining to readers the reasoning behind her thoughts.Article 2: by Patrick J. KennedyWhile the premise of this article is similar in theory, it does not represent the critical thinking present in the first article. It is published in and has a decent underlying message. Unfortunately, the author’s biased opinion on Trump comes out, which basically pulls away from the real intent of the article, which is to stop using terms such as “crazy” to describe poor behavior. There is no real explanation present, and the author does not interpret or share reasoning that isn’t tinged with hints of opinionated political views. As a former Democratic member of Congress, it appears his argument is more emotionally fueled than crafted in critical thought. This backs the words of Plencner, that “with a little dose of skepticism one can come to conclusion that what the general user often gains from the Internet, is information, not knowledge, connection, not community, knowing and not understanding”(Plencner, 2014).ReferencesHolmes, L. (2016). We Need to Change the Way We Talk About Mental Health. Retrieved from ?Kennedy, P. (2016.). Stop calling Trump ‘crazy.’ It demeans people with mental illness. Retrieved from Plencner, A. (2014). . 2), 4- 18. Retrieved from Titus, G. (2012, December 11). . Retrieved from dq2
