Critical Thinking Development: A Stage Theory Analysis

Critical thinking is not only a process, but a skill that develops over the course of a person’s life. Dr. Linda Elder, the Assistant Director of the Center for Critical Thinking, created a stage theory of critical thinking development that defines critical thinking into six stages. In reference to the article by Linda Elder and Richard Paul “Critical Thinking Development: A Stage Theory,” I believe that stage four, the practicing thinker, best represents my development as a thinker. As previously mentioned, Dr. Linda Elder’s stage theory of critical thinking development consists of six stages. In stage one, Linda Elder argues that a majority of people begin heavily embedded in this stage of the “unreflective thinker.” She also states that …show more content…
In addition, she expresses that thinkers in this stage develop slow and steady progress, but still only scratch the surface of exploring deeper levels of thought. In stage five, Elder states that very few people reach this stage of the “advanced thinker.” However, she argues that recognition of this stage encourages progression in hopes of experiencing the benefits that come along with becoming a lifelong developed thinker. Elder also states that advanced thinkers have the ability to carefully assess all aspects of a problem, including clarifying questions, finding inconsistencies, and inspecting assumptions. Lastly, it is presumed that once a person can demonstrate expertise in all areas of critical thinking, he or she has reached stage six, the “master thinker.” The article by Linda Elder and Richard Paul does not go into depth of this section of the stage …show more content…
I feel as though my critical thinking has developed far enough to say that I have passed the first three stages in most areas of my life. I tend to solve my problems based on logical means rather than my own emotions, I am aware of the effect that thinking can have on my problems, and I no longer act on impulse to fix my problems. Referring back to my examples, I can develop my critical thinking skills as a leader at my job by proposing not only physically fun activities, but educational ones for the children as well. As far as my educational plan, I can solidify my assumptions and make attempts to route a different career path if nursing ends up not fitting my lifestyle. I aspire to arrive at the critical thinking level of a stage five, advanced thinker in the near future. These are my personal implications regarding Linda Elder’s stage theory of critical thinking development. For my readers, a practicing thinker like myself would suggest broadening the mind to the way thinking can control lives because I believe that it does, indeed, navigate the path one takes in life. Every decision is based on critical thinking and developing this skill will result in decisions that are much more