Critical Thinking
F a c u l t y P e r s p e c t i v e
Critical Thinking:
Cultivating Critical Thinking in University Students
An interview with Dr. Joseph James Alvaro
Associate Professor, Subject Lead, ACSS, UCW
UCWbackpack: What does critical thinking truly involve, and why is it considered a vital skill for university students in today's world?
Dr. Alvaro: Critical thinking actually begins when we start looking for the truth. As a starting point, it really is as simple as that. We don’t just accept what’s in front of us — we ask, What’s the full picture? Who created this version of events? Whose interests are being served by this piece, this headline, this message? It’s about scratching the surface, pulling back the curtain, and looking underneath. Especially today, when information is everywhere, we need to be able to pause and say, STOP — what’s really going on here?
UCWbackpack: UCWbackpack: When you first stepped into academia, what motivated you to become a critical thinker—and how do you continue to nurture that mindset in your professional life today?
Dr. Alvaro: What drew me into academia was the need to "scratch the paint" and see what’s underneath. I kept noticing the prepackaged stories, images, speeches — all created to make us see the world in a certain way. I started to ask, Why this version? Who benefits from me believing it? That’s what really got me thinking critically. Today, I try to stay in that reflective mode — a kind of meta state of mind — where I question not just what I’m seeing, but how I’m thinking. Why am I reacting this way? Why am I scrolling through reels about nothing? Who wants me to watch this? It’s that awareness that keeps us on the ball.
UCWbackpack: Which courses at UCW are particularly effective in helping students cultivate critical thinking skills?
Dr. Alvaro: ENGL 100 and 102 both lay a strong foundation. Courses that ask us to form our own thoughts and teach us to shape arguments and examine evidence are the best... Communications, ethics, philosophy, and research, etc., also do a great job pushing us beyond surface-level answers. Good courses give us a chance to stop, reflect, and think for ourselves — the ability and skill to use our own God-given voice is what professors want to see.
UCWbackpack: What types of assignments, projects, or classroom activities do you believe best foster the development of critical thinking among students?
Dr. Alvaro: The best assignments are the ones where students take a position and really have to support it — not with opinions, but with logic and evidence—show me that you’ve done some reading! Debates, essay responses, and analyzing media headlines are all great. Dealing with counter-arguments is so important. I often ask students, Who’s the “us” and who’s the “them” in this sentence? That kind of question makes us pause and see the underlying framing. It wakes us up to how language can shape belief.
UCWbackpack: What practical advice would you offer to students looking to strengthen their critical thinking abilities outside the classroom setting?
Dr. Alvaro: Start by noticing how you think. Become aware of your own thought processes — that meta awareness. Meta means stepping back and paying attention to how your own mind is working. It’s like turning a mirror on your thoughts. You’re not just thinking about something — you’re noticing how you’re thinking about it. Why do I believe this? Why am I reacting this way? Who stands to gain if I think like this? These are real questions.
UCWbackpack: In your experience, how has the emergence of AI tools impacted the way students engage with critical thinking, both positively and negatively?
Dr. Alvaro: AI can help — it’s a tool. But it can’t think for you. The danger is when we stop asking questions and just let AI generate the whole answer. Too often I’ve read papers that are surface-perfect but have no soul. AI can provide structure, but only you can ask, Whose interests are served by this story? Critical thinking still has to come from us, not from the program.
UCWbackpack: With social media encouraging passive consumption of information, how can students avoid “brain rot” and stay sharp when it comes to thinking critically?
Dr. Alvaro: First, get out of auto-scroll mode. Ask yourself, Why am I watching this? Social media treats us like farm animals — feeding us whatever keeps us staring longer. To stay sharp, you’ve got to stop and reflect. That’s the meta mind-set again — noticing how your thoughts are being shaped.
UCWbackpack: Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of critical thinking education, especially in light of rapidly evolving technologies and learning environments?
Dr. Alvaro: As tools get smarter, we can’t afford to get lazier. In the future, critical thinking will matter even more. The challenge won’t be getting information — it’ll be sorting it, questioning it, like “taking out the trash,” and decluttering your soul, so to speak. Education needs to focus more on how we think, not just what we know. We have to learn to pull back the curtain and ask, What’s the purpose behind this? That kind of thinking –– "reading between the lines" –– is a critical skill needed all through life. At no time in history has humanity had access to so much information. But only the smallest part of it is for our good. Critical thinking helps us discern that good part.
S t u d e n t V o i c e
So far, I have completed 12 subjects in my course, and among them, ENGL 102 (Critical Analysis & Writing), Moral Philosophy, and Hospitality and Tourism have been the most effective in enhancing my critical thinking. The other subjects were not any less important, but I grasped the concept of critical thinking more clearly in these particular ones. I learned how to express my opinion accurately, using ethos, pathos, and logos. I understood the difference between what is morally right and wrong and realized that different sectors handle situations in different ways. Overall, I learned how to critically analyze information or situations, understand their depth, and respond effectively. I have been applying these skills in my ongoing courses and in my daily life as well.
Megha Raut
This English 102 course (Critical Analysis and Writing) has significantly changed the way I think. Before taking this course, I used to trust and accept information without question. However, once I started the course, I realized the importance of asking questions when something is unclear, how to gain a deeper understanding, and how to view things from different perspectives. Moreover, I learned the difference between weak and strong arguments, how to avoid common thinking errors, and how to express ideas using evidence and logic. The skills I developed in this course have helped me perform well in my other courses and have also enabled me to face challenges more effectively in my daily life.
Mishael Peiris
Studying at UCW (University Canada West) helped me develop or explore skills, specifically developing my critical mindset. This critical thinking helped me in many courses; they pushed me to question, analyze, and think in diverse ways. I remember my professor gave me one assignment where I needed to evaluate media influence on today’s society; it was shocking that we all readily accept everything without questioning the source. Whenever any situation occurs, I always ask ‘Why’ and ‘What’ behind everything. It’s a skill I did not expect to gain quickly, and it made a significant difference in my personality.
Gurbaj Singh Dev
