Critical Thinking at MIU

Definition of critical thinking as an Essential Learning Outcome: We expect our graduates to be able to evaluate a thesis or judgment on the basis of logic, reliable evidence, ethical values, and openness to alternative assumptions and points of view.

How does MIU assess critical thinking?

Assessment: This outcome is measured in classroom or standardized tests of critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and logical analysis; classroom debates and presentations; and research papers or other writing where students analyze a situation and argue for a position.

• Assessment: A campus-developed profile, including a 4-point rubric (see below).

What elements of critical thinking does MIU measure?

Analysis: We expect students to be able to view any piece of reasoning, including their own, and identify the following universal elements of critical thinking:

Whenever someone reasons, they …

have in mind a PURPOSE

to seek a CONCLUSION

based on EVIDENCE

shaped by ASSUMPTIONS

EVIDENCE-BASED: check the facts and sources

LOGICAL: follow where the reasoning leads

DEEP: examine complexities and assumptions

FAIR-MINDED: seek truth, not victory

And — ideally — CREATIVE: illustrate through metaphor

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These standards form the basis for the common rubric that is used in all the Critical and Creative Thinking Seminars at MIU.