Creating A Critical Thinking Mindset
Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008
by Chuck Clayton
http://www.inexpensive-vacation-ideas.com
There are several key elements to creating a critical thinking mindset. A proper critical thinking mindset encourages you to keep an open mind and not take things at face value, think through issues and look at things from multiple vantage points. It also guides you to do needed investigation and explore intuitive and non-intuitive thinking. Let's explore each of these areas in more depth.
"Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why" ~ Bernard Baruch
A childlike fascination with the world and an open mind about it and the people in it is a powerful combination. Each experience provides one more piece of the amazingly complex puzzle of life. For every challenge undertaken, whether a win or a loss, a success or a failure; invaluable experience is gained. For the critical thinker, education doesn't stop at high school, or college, or grad school, or even after working. Learning is a lifelong commitment.
Thinking Through Issues
Lower order learning is by rote memorization, associated and drill. Critical thinking encourages digging deeper into issues and challenges. This is done by " thinking though" an objective. Here is one example of how the thinking through process works.
First, facts and data are gathered. Then, assumptions and risks are considered. Finally, an informed decision is made and appropriate action is taken to achieve a goal. This systematically process is known as a "stream of logic." The more critical the challenge, the more thinking is required.
Analyze issue from Multiple View Points
Almost all issues can be looked at several ways. Different perspectives (also known as view points) help provide better solutions to issues. Common questions to ask yourself are:
* Are there other perspectives that I can view this challenge from?
* What are these other view points?
* How can I use these perspectives to resolve this challenge?
* Am I aware of the cause and effect of any decisions made, or actions taken?
To make good decisions, quality information is needed. The best way to get needed information is through investigation. Experts, books, magazines, the Internet and newspapers are some of the primary sources of potentially information. Proper investigation checks out references before using them.
Intuitive and Non-Intuitive Thinking
Intuition is a feeling (a sense) that doesn't use rational processes such as facts and data. Good intuition comes from years of knowledge and experience that allows you to understand how people and the world works. Many situations are intuitive. Some aren't.
Non-intuitive things are some of the best opportunities to learn and grow. Book knowledge is important. However, with first hand experience you learn those areas that aren't intuitive. Another term that is commonly used for non-intuitive thinking is "learning the ropes."Mentors, coaches and teachers work closely with their students to help them learn the non-intuitive (and counter intuitive) knowledge of a subject.
When working on a task it makes sense to look for the obvious solution first. If the solution doesn't present itself, look for the not-obvious one. And, when attempting to answer a question look for the obvious answer first, then look for the not-obvious one.
Keep in mind, so called common knowledge may not be correct. Critical thinking works best when you continually ask yourself: " Does this make sense?" If so, why? If not, why not?
Keeping an open mind to new data and options is another element of sound critical thinking. The critical thinker tests new experiences and knowledge against past experiences and knowledge. If the new experience or information is consistent with what is known, he keeps his view. If not, he strives to learn why there is an inconsistency. Once resolved, he either keeps, or alters his " frame of reference" to account for the new information. A frame of reference includes experience, education, upbringing, culture and a myriad of other factors that contribute to how someone views the world.
Chuck Clayton
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved
http://www.problem-solving-techniques.com
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