Critical awareness

Critical awareness is characterized by an ability to think creatively and flexibly. It is encouraged by inquiry-based learning rather than training to carry out specific tasks. The basis may be philosophical questions such as what makes something true, real, good or fair. It is reflection, thinking about thinking, that brings such awareness, which is developed by a climate which encourages: the asking of "thinking" questions; the careful listening to others in a climate of mutual respect, trust and tolerance; the evaluation and criticism of ideas without abusing those who put them forward; the building up and correction of one's own ideas when faced with reasonable criticism.