Skills and Strategies for Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning

Today’s college and university students need to effectively engage in critical thinking and quantitative reasoning \i, which are foundational to other academic activities, namely, studying, researching, reading, and writing. Previous chapters briefly introduced components associated with critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills. However, this chapter will further expand on these two competencies and explain their individual and combined impact on a student’s ability to effectively engage in college-level learning. This chapter explores the various components of critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, examines their application to learning activities, and emphasizes their significance to student learning in higher education. Additionally, this chapter uses examples to illustrate how critical thinking and quantitative reasoning intersect and complement one another to promote deep learning \i. A student demonstrates critical thinking and quantitative reasoning through effective engagement in critical analysis of information, decision-making \i, and interpretation and communication \i of complex thoughts and ideas. Skills associated with critical thinking and quantitative reasoning are fundamental because they empower a student to effectively navigate college-level learning, providing students the tools needed to achieve academic success. A student’s ability to engage in logical reasoning \i, evidence evaluation, and problem solving \i depends on their critical thinking skills. Similarly, a student’s ability to analyze and comprehend data, and develop an argument supported by evidence depend on their quantitative reasoning skills. Hence, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning empower students to engage in higher level thinking and learning. Finally, strategies are offered to help students enhance their quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills, with emphasis on strategies for the online learning environment.