1 Read widely and critically

One of the best ways to stay current on critical thinking frameworks is to read widely and critically. Reading exposes you to different perspectives, arguments, and evidence that can challenge your assumptions and biases. It also helps you learn new concepts, models, and techniques that can improve your reasoning and judgment. However, reading alone is not enough. You also need to read critically, which means evaluating the sources, methods, and claims of the authors, as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the CRAAP test, the Toulmin model, or the Socratic method, to help you read critically and assess the quality and validity of the information you encounter.

2 Practice and reflect

Another strategy for staying current on critical thinking frameworks is to practice and reflect. Practice means applying the frameworks and methods you learn to real-world situations, such as your work projects, personal goals, or social issues. By doing so, you can test your understanding, develop your skills, and discover new insights and solutions. Reflection means reviewing your actions, outcomes, and feedback, and identifying what worked well and what didn't. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the SWOT analysis, the RISE model, or the Gibbs cycle, to help you reflect and learn from your experiences.

3 Join and participate in communities

A third strategy for staying current on critical thinking frameworks is to join and participate in communities. Communities are groups of people who share a common interest, goal, or challenge, and who support each other in learning and growing. By joining and participating in communities, you can access valuable resources, such as books, articles, podcasts, or courses, that can introduce you to new frameworks and methods. You can also interact with other members, who can offer you feedback, advice, or perspectives that can enrich your critical thinking. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the Ladder of Inference, the Six Thinking Hats, or the SCAMPER technique, to help you communicate and collaborate effectively with your community.

4 Seek and embrace feedback

A fourth strategy for staying current on critical thinking frameworks is to seek and embrace feedback. Feedback is information that can help you improve your performance, behavior, or outcomes. By seeking and embracing feedback, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn from your mistakes, and adjust your actions accordingly. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the SMART criteria, the PDCA cycle, or the Johari window, to help you set goals, measure progress, and solicit feedback.

5 Experiment and innovate

A fifth strategy for staying current on critical thinking frameworks is to experiment and innovate. Experimenting means trying out new ideas, approaches, or solutions that can help you solve problems or achieve goals. Innovating means creating or improving something that adds value or meets a need. By experimenting and innovating, you can challenge yourself, expand your horizons, and generate new possibilities. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the Design Thinking process, the SCAMPER technique, or the TRIZ method, to help you experiment and innovate.

6 Review and update

A sixth strategy for staying current on critical thinking frameworks is to review and update. Reviewing means examining your current knowledge, skills, and practices, and comparing them to the latest trends, developments, and standards. Updating means modifying or replacing your existing frameworks and methods with newer or better ones that suit your needs and goals. By reviewing and updating, you can keep your critical thinking relevant, effective, and up-to-date. You can use various critical thinking frameworks, such as the KWL chart, the Bloom's taxonomy, or the SOAR analysis, to help you review and update.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?