Why is the Critical Thinking

Assessment important?

A major paradigm shift has occurred in

education over the past decade from an

instruction-based approach to outcomes-based

learning. Educators are increasingly aware of

the value of teaching students how to analyze,

reason, evaluate, and develop a creative and

critical perspective on the information from

which they are exposed. Educators are now

viewing students as active learners, rather than

passive recipients of information. Through the

educational experience, students may acquire

the critical thinking skills and habits for lifelong learning.

The Critical Thinking Assessment complies

with accreditation committee guidelines for

documentation of outcome criteria upon entry

and exit from the program. This assessment

instrument offers faculty the opportunity to

identify students’ level of critical thinking and

facilitate higher-order thinking skills.

Instructional materials are provided to faculty

to help teach students how to apply critical

thinking in their own learning environment.

Students also receive material to enhance their

abilities to take in information at a higherlevel. Our educational consultants offer critical

thinking seminars customized to the individual

institution’s needs. At ATI, we believe

students must develop the skills necessary to

think critically, exercise good judgment, and

focus on adopting a commitment to lifelong

learning. We strive provide the tools you need

to make it easier for your students to learn.

What is the Critical Thinking

Assessment?

The Critical Thinking Assessment is a generic,

40-item test developed in May 2000. The

objective of the instrument is to determine

students’ overall performance on specified

critical thinking skills. The assessment is

designed for use at the time of admission and

repeated upon completion of the program. The

goal for faculty is to use this diagnostic

information to enhance instructional strategies

and to improve students’ critical thinking

skills.

The Critical Thinking Assessment was

designed and developed by a collaborative

team of experts in the field of critical thinking.

A few of the contributors include: