ABSTRACT
This chapter explains what critical thinking is and how people each have the capacity to engage in critical thinking. Critical thinking is defined by Halpern as the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is used to describe thinking that is purposeful, reasoned, and goal directed. Critical thinking is skill-based and, just like other skills, certain aspects of critical thinking will come more easily to some. As people practise critical thinking and receive useful feedback, competence and confidence will develop. A workplace learning report published by LinkedIn suggested that many of the skills people possess have a short life, primarily due to advances in technology. People are being hired less for what they know and more for their attitude and openness to change. As critical thinking is of value to a person and to the development of their learners, the person has options for how and where to start.
