- Internet users have access to diverse sources of information. Some of these sources were created by reputable experts on particular topics, while other sources contain either poorly researched information or information deliberately intended to mislead readers. Instead of passively reading and accepting all information found on the Internet, users need to learn to critically think about sources and assess their validity. Homeschooling parents can talk to their children about factors that can help their children assess source validity, such as the author's credentials, the website publisher, the date of the website, the website bias and whether or not the website cites its sources.
- While assessing author credibility is a good start, some authors do have information that is credible despite the author's lack of credentials. Also, some reputable sources sometimes make mistakes. Therefore, students will need to learn how to understand logical arguments and assess if the conclusions drawn from these arguments are rational. For example, a student might need to identify that a source is not logical that states "because you want to have a healthy life, you must drink wheat grass." The premise "you want a healthy life" does not necessarily lead to "drink wheat grass."
- Critical thinking is hard to perfectly define because the skill is more of a process than a specific tangible action or idea. Critical thinking tends to be original, backed by logical reasoning, analytical and somewhat skeptical. Critical thinking does not necessarily lead to correct conclusions but critical thinking can help an individual identify incorrect conclusions. For example, a business might struggle to figure out how to create an online advertisement that can increase sales. A skilled critical thinker might identify that the business shouldn't be advertising at all and should instead use a different approach like direct marketing. Since the other members of the company would be skeptical of abandoning advertising, the critical thinker would need to use logic and evidence to support the claim. Homeschooling parents cannot teach critical thinking like they teach the date of the Revolutionary War. Instead, parents must guide their children through developing these skills.
- Critical thinking relies on the thinker questioning assumptions. Individuals tend to perceive what they thought they would perceive, instead of perceiving reality. For example, a business executive who believes that an employee is stealing equipment might not notice evidence suggesting that a different employee is actually stealing the equipment. Parents might have to question their own assumptions to help their children question their own.
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