Things to Think About...
In the introduction to Key Characteristic #1: Fairness and Accuracy, the need to identify bias and to determine the degree to which information is useful or questionable was discussed. In this section of the workbook critical thinking skills helpful in recognizing bias and evaluating the quality of information are examined.

Critical thinking is a process that involves digging below the surface and thoroughly analyzing an issue or problem. Critical thinking skills allow students to dissect information and recognize such features as reliability, fairness, timeliness, completeness, and relevance. Using these skills, students can connect new information to their existing knowledge and experiences, and therefore evaluate issues and their solutions in a sound and logical manner.

The skills needed to apply knowledge in new and useful ways constitute creative thinking. Students must be able to recognize connections between seemingly unrelated issues, and look for solutions in many places from many angles. However, more than critical and creative thinking is required; learners also need skills for applying new information and knowledge to everyday life such as oral and written communication, group cooperation, leadership and conflict resolution.

Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence calls for the development of critical and creative thinking skills. This section presents a look at a model that can be used as a basis for building educational materials and the higher-order thinking skills students must develop in order to act upon their own environmental ethic.