Critical Thinking & Inquiry
What This Is
Critical Thinking & Inquiry involves questioning, analyzing, and making sense of information, ideas, and assumptions in ways that lead to clear, thoughtful action.
It combines curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to test multiple perspectives before making decisions.
This competency shows up when you gather and assess evidence, challenge biases (including your own), and reframe problems to discover new solutions.
At its best, Critical Thinking & Inquiry doesn’t stop at finding answers — it sparks deeper questions that help teams, communities, and systems adapt and grow in complex, changing environments.
Why This Matters
Because facing complex problems without curiosity and clear thinking leaves you stuck — or worse, misled.
When you ask better questions, test assumptions, and weigh different perspectives, you make thoughtful decisions that stand up to change.
Critical Thinking & Inquiry prepares you to tackle real-world challenges with insight and creativity — so you’re ready to solve problems that matter, not just accept what’s given.
I start by questioning my own assumptions and ideas.
I grow by challenging and supporting my peers to think deeply.
I expand by designing solutions or systems that help whole teams and communities make better decisions.
Growth Progression
Self-awareness -> supporting others -> shaping systems.
The Foundations
Daily habits and core actions.
I gather information from different sources before making decisions.
I check facts, ask clarifying questions, and test my assumptions.
I look for bias — in myself, in what I read, and in what I hear.
I compare different solutions to find the best one for the situation.
I ask for feedback and use it to make my ideas stronger.
Mindsets to cultivate.
I stay curious and ask questions instead of assuming I know everything.
I’m open to changing my mind when I find better evidence.
I listen to people who disagree with me — they help me see what I might miss.
I want to understand the why behind an idea, not just accept it at face value.
I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong — that’s how I learn.
Action in Context
In educational settings.
I challenge ideas respectfully in class discussions or team meetings.
I join projects where I need to solve complex problems — like research, policy debates, or capstones.
I participate in feedback sessions to test ideas and improve them.
I help teammates reframe problems when they get stuck.
I tackle tasks that require me to think critically — like analyzing data or designing better processes.
Signs that I am putting this into practice.
I ask “What if?” and “Why?” instead of just accepting what’s given.
I catch myself questioning whether something is true or biased.
I share alternative perspectives to help my team see new angles.
I revise my work based on new insights or feedback.
I help others think through problems step by step.
