1.
features that make good argument debate and discussion
You must justify your arguments with basic logic, worked examples, statistics, and quotes.
Debating is all about the strategy of “proof”. Proof, or evidence, supporting your assertion is
what makes it an argument.
It is usually best to put the most important arguments first.
The Five Parts of Argument
Claim;
Reason;
Evidence;
Warrant;
Acknowledgement and Response.
Argument is also about conversation. Although sometimes we forget, the best arguments are a
forum for:
Obtaining and expressing information;
Airing and sharing assumptions and reasons;
Establishing common ground;
Coming to mutual agreement.
Using the Five Parts of Argument
After you have sketched out your full argument, and even after you have drafted the entire piece
of writing, you should revisit your claim. Ask yourself: Does the claim still introduce and frame
the discussion that follows? Are there elements of the claim that need to be revised? Built upon?
Eliminated? Explained?
Think:
Is your claim clear and concise?
Is it contestable?
Is there good evidence for your solution?
Will your audience agree?
2. Factors that affect the habit of critical thinking
1. Egocentric Thinking
Although egocentric behaviours are less prominent in adulthood, overcoming egocentrism can be
a lifelong process. Egocentric thinking is a natural tendency to view everything in relation
to oneself. This type of thinking leads to the inability to sympathize with others or analyze and
evaluate various perspectives. Sadly, since most egocentric people are not willing or cannot see
this character flaw within themselves, this increases the difficulty in overcoming the factor.
2. Groupthink
Groupthink can lead to unhealthy decision-making patterns. Like egocentric thinking, it is
difficult to overcome. Breaking the cycle requires individuals to stand apart from the group
and question opinions, thoughts, and popular ideas. This can be especially difficult for
adolescents, but teachers can play a key role in encouraging independent thought and action in
students.
Facilitating student learning in a classroom while avoiding a groupthink teaching style is
possible by expanding teaching methods that help learners think creatively. This allows them to
make connections and challenge reasoning, both of which are important for critical thinking.
3. Drone Mentality
If you have a drone mentality, this means you don’t pay attention to what is going on around
you. A drone mentality can sneak up on anyone at any time. Daily routines often lead to a
drone mentality and can prevent or cause a loss of critical thinking skills.
4. Social Conditioning
Unwanted assumptions and stereotyping leads to social conditioning. It does this by blinding us
from the realization that we are even making assumptions and stereotyping in the first place. The
ability to think outside of the spectrum is a great asset because most learners do not realize
they are being conditioned to think a certain way.
5. Biased Experiences
Personal biases can prohibit critical thinking because they prevent the thinker from being
fair, inquisitive and open-minded. This kind of thinking can also prevent an individual from
using experience, reasoning and common sense to make informed decisions.
Teachers should encourage learners to lean on logic to become critical thinkers. This
challenges them to evaluate the clarity and accuracy of their thinking. By giving assignments that
utilize questioning techniques and critical thinking responses, teachers can effectively guide
them through the critical thinking process.
6. Schedule Pressures
Time constraints often serve as a barrier to integrating learning opportunities that support critical
thinking skills. Test scores and mandated teaching measures often result in teachers covering a
great deal of content in a short amount of time.
With training, practice and patience, teachers can learn various strategies that equip them to
naturally model thinking behaviours in the classroom that improve learners' critical thinking
skills.
7. Arrogance and Intolerance
True critical thinkers do not welcome arrogance and intolerance into their minds. It is
nearly impossible to find the best solution to a problem with a close-minded mindset. Without
critical thinking skills, individuals often react thoughtlessly and recklessly to situations. What
they should do, however, is to assess and take responsibility for their choices while accepting the
rewards or consequences that follow those choices.
