Learning in a Technology Rich Environment NC State University LITRE Home Page

Critical Thinking Rubrics

(Summarized by: Dr. Geetanjali Soni, LITRE assessment coordinator)


Defining Critical Thinking

Problem solving, empirical analysis, research and synthesis of knowledge all involve “critical thinking skills” or to put it rather simplistically, the ability to actively conceptualize the problem or question, apply knowledge, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to form an opinion, derive a solution, or come to a decision.

In more detail Michael Scriven & Richard Paul for the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking Instruction, define Critical thinking as:

“Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness”

From “Defining Critical Thinking.” Retrieved April 9, 2007, from http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/definingCT.shtml (See site for more detail)

Assessing Critical Thinking

Some institutions have been developing a rubric that can be used across disciplines in an attempt to highlight the importance of integrating ideas and perspectives across boundaries of discipline, viewpoint, and practice. A comprehensive rubric can then be adapted to fit the needs of a specific course or discipline. Three examples are listed below.

Instrument

Instrument Focus

Type of Instrument

Number of Questions

Source

 Details Comments

The New Critical and Integrative Thinking Rubric **

A process for improving & a means for measuring students' higher order thinking skills.

Likert scale on which student generated content can be assessed.

7

Washington State University

http://wsuctproject.wsu.edu/ctr.htm

Identifies 7 key areas of critical thinking.

1) problem identification, 2) establishment of a clear perspective, 3) recognition of alternative perspectives, 4) context identification, 5) evidence identification & evaluation 6) recognition of fundamental assumptions, and 7) assessment of implications and potential conclusions.

Can be adapted to various disciplines

http://wsuctproject.wsu.edu/fa.htm

Many institutions are adapting this rubric to fit their need or specific discipline needs.

http://www.units.muohio.edu/led/Assessment/Assessment_Basics/
Sample_Rubrics/CT_Integration.pdf

Science C. T. Rubric (adapted by Miami Univ.)


Northeastern Illinois Adaptation

Template for Developing a Customized Critical Thinking Rubric.

This document provides help on developing your own customized critical thinking rubric.

 

 

Wolcott, S. K. (October 26, 2006). Template for Developing a Customized Critical Thinking Rubric.

http://www.wolcottlynch.com/

 

Collegiate Learning Assessment

Critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and written communication skills.

Value added approach

Analytic writing tasks scored by ETS.

Performance tasks scored by trained raters using rubrics.

 

Council for Aid to Education (CAE)

http://www.cae.org/content/pro_collegiate.htm

    

International Critical Thinking Test

Evaluate Critical Thinking Skills

Student analysis & assessment of sample essay.

 

International Center for the Assessment of Higher Order Thinking (ICAT)

http://www.criticalthinking.org/about/internationalCenter.html

Has two parts; 1) Analysis of writing prompt and 2) assessment of the writing prompt. Direct license costs $1000. Different prompts can be given to test scientific thinking, literary thinking etc.

 

 

Other Rubrics

MIAMI University- Assessing Critical Thinking Project; The ACT webpage provides critical thinking rubrics that have been adapted to fit a variety of disciplines. http://www.units.muohio.edu/led/Assessment/criticalthinking/index.htm Rubrics from various disciplines are listed.

Columbia College with Townson University: http://www.colum.edu/info/assessment/FIPSE/Writing_Index.htm

Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric http://www.insightassessment.com/pdf_files/rubric.pdf

Critical Thinking Rubric SUNY Cortland http://www.cortland.edu/gear/criticalthinkingpanel.html

 

Further Reading

Critical Thinking: What it is and Why it counts . Peter Facione. (2007 update)

Critical Thinking Community : The Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique and the Foundation For Critical thinking, two sister educational non-profit organizations, work closely together to promote educational reform.