Assigment # 0 : " What is critical thinking ? "

Hello Everyone!!
I´m currently a 1st year PhD student of Water Resources Engineering in the Civil Engineering Department at Texas A & M University. My back ground is Environmental Engineering (M.Sc.), Hydrology (M.E.) and Civil Engineering (B.S.). My research line is GIS applied to Water Resources under the supervision of Dr. Francisco Olivera.
The main reason why I´m taking this class is to learn more about the mathematical models used for water resources analyses and optimization. My goal this semester within this class is to gain confidence in the selection, application and analyses of different models for water resources systems.

Now the difficult question: “What is Critical thinking?”
If we look at several definitions for “critical thinking” we will find that each applies better for the context or purpose we want to use it, e.g.: teaching critical thinking, applying critical thinking or developing critical thinking. For example, from Wikipedia: “when using critical thinking one makes a decision or solves the problem of judging what to believe or what to do, but does so in a reflective way”. I think the key here is reflective way. Do whatever is the right thing to do, but always in a reflective way. This means, always think “why”.
I think another key expression that would bring the same meaning would be: “Think outside the box”. Be creative and always try to come up with something new.
Teaching critical thinking within engineering schools is not a direct task. Usually engineers are tough to solve problems using available knowledge. Questioning the available knowledge is not usually part of the recipe. But if we consider that the basis of the engineering work that is done today was developed hundreds years ago, isn’t it inspiring to think: Isn’t there anything new that we can come up with? The advance of science or the development of new knowledge is only going to be possible with critical thinking and people that thinks outside the box…