The Thomas College Leader badge earner has showcased the skills needed to solve an authentic problem using critical thinking skills. In addition to recognizing the critical thinking process, the badge earner actively has engaged in problem solving through critical thinking by resolving or beginning to resolve a local problem using the five steps of critical thinking; formulating a question, gathering information, applying the information, considering implications, and exploring other points of view.
The Critical Thinker badge earner has demonstrated the following assessment criteria:
The learner clearly identifies the 5 steps of critical thinking.
The learner showcases through substantial evidence that they are able to apply all 5 steps of the critical thinking process to solve or begin to solve a local, authentic problem.
When you complete your badge evidence, you will need to explicitly demonstrate, through a written reflection, how you have attended to each of the above criteria.
Step 1: Learn
Review the resources below:
Steps and Barriers to Critical Thinking
Finding peer reviewed resources using the online TC library sources page
Critical thinking is an essential 21st century skills
5 tips for improving critical thinking
How do you change someone’s mind?
Step 2: Plan
Plan your project.
Possible projects:
- Student petitions town office to fix a pothole in a road
- Student initiates and fundraises local school backpack program to send home food over the weekend for families in need (completed project from 2019)
- Student petitions and plans for a community garden in a space with high poverty and high food insecurity
Step 3: Do
Execute!
Sample evidence:
- Letters, design thinking sketches, or outlines for plans in addition to carried out plans
- Photos, videos, or other visual evidence of completed task or solution to a problem
- Blog
- Op ed in local or state newspaper
- Others as they fit into the objectives
Step 4: Share
Earn your Critical Thinker badge.
Email the staff at the Professional and Career Development Office at Thomas College with your reflections and evidence.
