Describe the process of becoming a critical thinker.

There are 3 foundational conditions: knowledge base, self-efficacy and desire/drive. Content knowledge is a must before being able to think critically but knowledge alone is not enough. Believing in your ability and have the desire and drive to engage in high level tasks is also needed. These conditions are particularly important because critical thinking skills are quite challenging and high self-efficacy and drive will increase the likelihood of persistence when difficulties arise. There are then 2 learning conditions necessary for critical thinking: challenging learning tasks and learning strategies and support. When a challenge-support model is in place, critical thinking will happen naturally.