Critical Thinking
Definition:
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. Critical thinking includes evaluating multiple perspectives, applying sound reasoning, and making informed decisions in academic, professional, and real-world settings.
Why It Matters
Critical thinking is one of the top skills employers look for in candidates. According to NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 survey, 96.1% of employers consider critical thinking “very” or “extremely” important, yet only 55.9% rate recent graduates as highly proficient. This 40.2% gap shows the value of strengthening your ability to analyze, solve problems, and make effective decisions.
Sample Behaviors
- Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment.
- Gather and analyze information from diverse sources to fully understand a problem.
- Proactively anticipate needs and prioritize action steps.
- Accurately summarize and interpret data while being aware of personal biases.
- Communicate actions and reasoning clearly, considering varied perspectives.
- Multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment.
What It Might Look Like in the Classroom
- Analyzing case studies and presenting multiple possible solutions.
- Using diverse sources when completing research assignments.
- Prioritizing tasks during a group project with competing deadlines.
- Reflecting on decision-making processes to identify what worked and what could improve.
- Questioning assumptions during class discussions or debates.
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