Metacognition: Thinking about Thinking about Thinking . . .

Welcome to the MindGym, fellow thinkers. Get ready for a workout!

Here you will find exercises, assignments, information and weblinks to strengthen your thinking skills.



The ability to think critically is essential for an independent, self-reliant life.



A Definition of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking means correct thinking in the pursuit of relevant and reliable knowledge about the world. Another way to describe it is reasonable, reflective, responsible, and skillful thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do. A person who thinks critically can ask appropriate questions, gather relevant information, efficiently and creatively sort through this information, reason logically from this information, and come to reliable and trustworthy conclusions about the world that enable one to live and act successfully in it. (from An Introduction to Critical Thinking by Steven D. Schafersman)

First, we'll build a toolbox of thinking strategies and questioning techniques. Then we will practice using those tools on:

*public issues
*short stories
*movies
*puzzles
*poems
*photos
*novels
*people
*paintings & other works of art
*historical events

and other human concerns.

Your job is to exercise. We don't want flabby brains! Thinking is hard work! Get up! Let's Go!