CRITICAL THINKING AND COMPREHENSION SKILLS
Very often we hear of a student's inability to think critically. What constitutes critical thinking? In a nutshell, it is the ability to think clearly and rationally, with an understanding of how ideas are connected logically. A critical thinker engages in reflective and independent thinking. Such a person rigorously questions ideas and assumptions, is able to identify, analyze and solve problems systematically and can arrive at the best solutions for challenges and problems, which he or she faces.
High levels of reading comprehension require critical thinking skills. Therefore, comprehension and critical thinking skills merge when readers seek a more in-depth understanding of given text. Blending comprehension and critical thinking obviously leads to greater depth of understanding. If the school is to produce critical thinkers, proper instruction in skill development is indispensable. Far too often teachers focus upon testing skills, which they have not taught. They focus on telling students what to think, rather than teaching them how to think.
In the early stages of reading comprehension, students operate at a purely literal level. They recall details and summarize ideas clearly presented in the text. At this level, very little critical thinking is involved. However, as readers begin to interpret information, make inferences, use context clues to make sense of implied ideas, evaluate ideas in the text and judge the accuracy and validity of information, critical thinking must be employed. These skills must be systematically taught.
High levels of reading comprehension require critical thinking skills. Therefore, comprehension and critical thinking skills merge when readers seek a more in-depth understanding of given text. Blending comprehension and critical thinking obviously leads to greater depth of understanding. If the school is to produce critical thinkers, proper instruction in skill development is indispensable. Far too often teachers focus upon testing skills, which they have not taught. They focus on telling students what to think, rather than teaching them how to think.
In the early stages of reading comprehension, students operate at a purely literal level. They recall details and summarize ideas clearly presented in the text. At this level, very little critical thinking is involved. However, as readers begin to interpret information, make inferences, use context clues to make sense of implied ideas, evaluate ideas in the text and judge the accuracy and validity of information, critical thinking must be employed. These skills must be systematically taught.
Here are some of the comprehension skills which should be taught:
- Summarizing
- Sequencing
- Inferring
- Predicting
- Comparing and Contrasting
- Drawing Conclusions
- Self-questioning
- Problem-solving
- Relating background knowledge
- Distinguishing between fact and opinion
- Finding the main idea, important facts and supporting details
- Evaluating
The following are some resources which one may find helpful, in developing some of the aforementioned skills.
(It is suggested that if materials on this site are found to be useful, they can be purchased, from the authors and publishers, who have invested time and money in their development. Nothing is sold on this website)
1. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 3
2. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 4
3. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 5
4. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 6
5. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 7
6. Reading Comprehension Skills & Strategies - level 8