One of the important parts of critical thinking is the awareness that no one is perfectly critical and thinking logically all the time. Anyone can make errors in the process of thinking– unconscious errors that lead to misinterpretation of information that is around us. The other side of the coin is logical errors – incomplete, misleading or false statements which fail to pass critical and logical assessments. What does this mean in practice? It means that any information should be treated with healthy scepticism:
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What is a conspiracy theory?
The information bubble
Why do we believe in conspiracy theories?
Fact checking
What is critical thinking?
How to escape the rabbit hole?
Activity 1 - Let's ask!
- Critical Thinking: Questioning encourages critical thinking. It prompts individuals to evaluate the information they receive, rather than accepting it blindly. This helps in developing analytical skills.
- Verification of Information: It helps in verifying the accuracy and reliability of information. In an age of information overload, not everything presented is accurate or trustworthy.
- Avoiding Assumptions: By asking these questions, one avoids making assumptions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. This can prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications.
- Understanding Perspectives: It allows for a deeper understanding of different perspectives. People have unique experiences and viewpoints, and asking these questions can provide insight into their thought processes.
- Challenging Beliefs: It challenges preconceived notions and beliefs. This is essential for personal growth and broadening one's worldview.
- Detecting Bias: Asking these questions helps in identifying potential biases, both in the information presented and in the people conveying it. This promotes objectivity.
- Stimulating Conversation: It fosters meaningful and constructive conversations. Asking questions encourages dialogue and can lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded discussions.
- Problem-Solving: It aids in problem-solving by encouraging individuals to explore alternative solutions or perspectives. This can lead to more effective and innovative problem-solving strategies.
- Fostering Curiosity: It nurtures a sense of curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. This is crucial for lifelong learning and personal development.
- Building Trust: It demonstrates genuine interest and respect for the opinions and experiences of others. This can strengthen relationships and build trust.
- Avoiding Misinformation: In an era of fake news and misinformation, asking these questions is a powerful tool in discerning fact from fiction.
- Promoting Empathy: By understanding the reasoning behind someone's beliefs or actions, we can develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
In summary, asking these types of questions is an integral part of critical thinking, effective communication, and fostering a well-informed and open-minded society. It encourages individuals to seek out reliable information, consider various perspectives, and approach situations with a more nuanced understanding.
Description
Inviting participants to share their thoughts. Why is it important to ask questions when listening to someone claiming something unheard of as 'news'?
Learning outcomes
After completing this activity, learners will:
- develop critical thinking skills through the process of selecting and analyzing news articles, considering various perspectives and evaluating the reliability of information;
- enhance their ability to navigate and discern information from different media outlets, thereby becoming more media literate and better equipped to identify credible sources;
- practice effective research techniques by locating and selecting relevant news articles that capture their attention;
- learn to scrutinize news content using a set of probing questions, allowing them to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented;
- Engaging in discussions about news articles prompts learners to consider multiple viewpoints, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of different perspectives;
- refine their communication skills by articulating their thoughts, opinions, and analyses of the news;
- The second part of the discussion, focusing on sources and fact-checking, enables learenrs to apply critical evaluation techniques, reinforcing the importance of reliable sourcing;
- become more attuned to potential biases in news reporting and consider how different stakeholders may have influenced the narrative;
- engaging with current events encourages learenrs to be informed and engaged citizens, contributing to a more informed and active society;
- apply the skills and concepts discussed in the activity to real-world situations, demonstrating an ability to critically engage with news media.
Materials needed for implementation
Whiteboard or flipchart to write the questions.
Time required
60 min.
Minimum / Maximum group size
4+
Level
Beginner (no prior knowledge required)
Introduction
The trainer begins by presenting the theoretical background and then writing the questions on the whiteboard or flipchart.
Activity description
1. Trainer presentation and instruction
5 min.
2. Each learner is asked to find today's news in a media outlet that captures their attention.
15 min.
3. Learners discuss some of the news using the questions (only those who want to speak out):
4. In the second part of the discussion, learners discuss what sources did they choose for the news and why? They can use the previous section on fact-checking
10 min.
5 min.
2. Each learner is asked to find today's news in a media outlet that captures their attention.
15 min.
3. Learners discuss some of the news using the questions (only those who want to speak out):
- How do you know that?
- Why do you think that way?
- Who told you that?
- How do they know it?
- Could it be true?
- Why could it be, why not?
- Could we look at this situation differently?
- Who and why are they telling this story?
4. In the second part of the discussion, learners discuss what sources did they choose for the news and why? They can use the previous section on fact-checking
10 min.
Debriefing
Each learner is requested to share what valuable insights they take for themselves - for example:
- What they found interesting during the activity?
- Is there anything new for them?
Adaptation to online mode
This activity can easily be done in an online setting in the same way as described above.
Further resources
No further resources needed.
References
Drossinternets. Domā, pirms notici!:
https://drossinternets.lv/lv/materials/download/prezentacija-doma-pirms-notici
https://drossinternets.lv/lv/materials/download/prezentacija-doma-pirms-notici