“Creative thinking is the way of thinking that leads to the generation of valuable and original ideas. All people are capable of engaging in creative thinking and practicing ‘everyday’ creativity (addressing everyday activities in a non-conventional way). Creative thinking can be applied not only to contexts related to the expression of imagination, such as creative writing or the arts, but also to other areas where the generation of ideas is functional to the investigation of issues, problems or society-wide concerns […] Creative thinking can have a positive influence on students’ academic interest and achievement, identity and socio-emotional development by supporting the interpretation of experiences, actions and events in novel and personally meaningful ways. Beyond the classroom, creative thinking can help students adapt to a constantly and rapidly changing world. Supporting students’ creative thinking can help them to contribute to the development of the society they live in, today and as future workers: organisations [sic] and societies around the world increasingly depend on innovation and knowledge creation to address emerging and complex challenges, giving urgency to innovation and creative thinking as collective enterprises.” – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Programme for International Student Assessment

“The Problem

Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.

A Definition

Critical thinking is that mode of thinking – about any subject, content, or problem – in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and
imposing intellectual standards upon them.

The Result

A well cultivated critical thinker:

• raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
• gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively, and comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
• thinks open mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
• communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.” – Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools

“In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, digital literacy has emerged as a vital skill set for individuals. Its importance lies in the numerous advantages it offers. Digital literacy enables individuals to effectively access and evaluate the vast amount of information available online. With the ability to navigate websites, search engines, and online databases, individuals can locate accurate and reliable information, facilitating learning and informed decision-making. Digital literacy equips individuals with the necessary communication and collaboration skills to thrive in the digital era. From email etiquette to video conferencing and collaborative platforms, these skills enhance personal and professional interactions, fostering productivity and teamwork. Furthermore, digital literacy nurtures critical thinking by empowering individuals to discern between credible sources and misinformation. It enables them to evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and bias of digital content, encouraging a discerning approach to information consumption. Digital literacy also plays a pivotal role in ensuring online safety and privacy. By understanding privacy settings, recognizing online threats, and adopting secure online practices, individuals can safeguard their personal information and protect themselves from cyber threats. Additionally, digital literacy has become increasingly valued by employers, as it enhances employability and career prospects. Proficiency in digital tools, software, and online platforms opens up a plethora of job opportunities in various industries. Lastly, digital literacy empowers individuals to actively engage in and participate in democratic processes. Access to government services, staying informed about social and political issues, and contributing to public discussions through digital platforms promote active citizenship and societal progress. In essence, digital literacy is a critical skill that enables individuals to navigate, comprehend, and harness the benefits of the digital realm, while also being equipped to address its challenges effectively.” – Ralph Fasano, Director of Digital Learning, Fitchburg State University