Evaluating Thinking Aptitude
This article offers some questions that assess quality of thinking.
Evaluating Thinking Aptitude
Brought to you by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Are you a good thinker - or a poor one? Take a look at the general traits associated with each category and assess yourself. (Remember, a good thinker is willing to be critical about herself!)
The Good Thinker
- Welcomes problematic situations and is tolerant of ambiguity.
- Is sufficiently self-critical; looks for alternate possibilities and goals; seeks evidence on both sides.
- Is reflective and deliberate; searches extensively when appropriate.
- Believes in the value of rationality and that thinking can be effective.
The Poor Thinker
- Searches for certainty and is intolerant of ambiguity.
- Is not self-critical and is satisfied with first attempts.
- Is impulsive, gives up prematurely, and is overconfident of the correctness of initial ideas.
- Overvalues intuition, denigrates rationality; believes that thinking won't help.
Source: Developing Minds Volume 1: A Resource Book for Teaching Thinking, edited by Arthur L. Costa. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. 1991
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