Often while teaching a class I have asked: “what do you think?” Such a question has the potential to invoke some very interesting discussions, but it also has the potential to backfire. In this post, I will describe the difference between opinion and critical thinking, so you can better understand what your professors are looking for.
As I reflect on some of the feedback I receive from students, I began to realize that when I ask “what do you think,” students think I am asking for their opinion, when really I am seeking to understand what it is they know about the subject matter and how they arrived at those conclusions. In other words, I want to understand their critical thinking process and stimulate class discussion.
There is a big difference.
An opinion is a view or judgement about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Therefore, just because you have an opinion doesn’t make it correct. As a student, you may want to carefully consider what your opinions are based upon before presenting them to the class as fact. Since universities are a place for learning, if you state your point of view and do not back it up with knowledge, expect to be corrected. It isn’t personal- it’s part of the learning process.
This doesn’t mean you have to know everything. Nobody does; not even your professors. But what it does mean is that you really need to take a “not-knowing” stance, if you really don’t know something. It would be much better for you to ask a question, rather than erroneously and emphatically state something as fact. Asking informed and relevant questions is an excellent contribution to class, and will be appreciated by your professors. Unless of course they hate their job.
I’m sorry to tell you, but out in the world, people aren’t going to care about your opinions. They will care what facts you know, and how well you can organize and reason through data. Your passions and feelings may be extremely important to you, but if you think they are equally important to others then you aren’t going to get very far. Why not use your class time as a way of learning to think critically?
So the next time your professor asks “what do you think?” he or she isn’t looking for your opinion. We want to know what you know and how you think. When we correct you, it’s for your benefit. Call it tough love- but those of us who really care about our students aren’t afraid to annoy them if it’s going to make them better counselors.
In my next post, I will discuss why critical thinking skills are important for counselors.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
