When I began this course I did not know the true meaning of “thinking critically”. I always assumed it meant to think about something real hard weighing the pros and cons and considering all the possible outcomes. Although this is true it is not enough when thinking critically. I have now learned thinking critically is going beyond these small tasks, as it also involves asking questions, reasoning these questions out and then believing your results. In order to achieve the answers to these three questions you have to review the 8 elements of reasoning as well as the 7 standards. Once this process has been performed you have to then analyze your results, make sure you understand the discipline in which you are researching, then put everything together, and reflect to gain a better understanding of what you have researched in order to see the big picture of how it all fits together.
After learning what critical thinking involves I have began to understand what it means to think critically, however I have not yet mastered these techniques. I find it very difficult to change my ways of thinking as I have been thinking one way for the past 27 years of my life. Some of the processes I find easier than others. For instance the 8 elements of reasoning are point of view, purpose, question at issue, assumptions, implications and consequences, information, concepts, and conclusions/interpretations. Within each of these elements is a simple definition in which I understand. I am able to find these elements within a body of information I am reviewing, however I am not always able to distinguish every one of the elements at the same time. Sometimes the elements are very easy to pick out, but many times I find myself reading and rereading the same information over and over trying to pick out each one of the elements only to find myself more confused. For example I can usually find what the author’s point of view is but I will not be able to pick out his assumptions or concept. I have continued to practice with everything I read nowadays and hope that one day this will become an easier task.
Although I have difficulties distinguishing the different elements within the information I am reviewing I have a even tougher time distinguishing the 7 different standards of critical thinking. The 7 standards are clearness, accuracy, importance/relevance, sufficiency, depth, breadth and precision. These 7 standards like the elements are sometimes easier depending on the information I am reviewing, but usually I have a difficult time being able to point out all 7 of the standards at one time. As with the elements I tend to be able to find the author’s clearness however when pointing out his or her sufficiency I begin to get lost in translation.
In order to improve my inabilities to internalize all of these techniques and processes I keep my text book handy and make notes to refer to when reviewing information in order to begin to better my skills as a critical thinker. I believe in order to make lasting and positive changes in the way I think for the future I will need to continue practicing these techniques and reviewing the concepts. I will always keep our text book Learning to Think Things Through going ahead in my degree and in my future careers, as it has become an important reference to refer to in my path of becoming a successful leader. In order to be successful in leading others I believe you must first be able to develop strong core of values and continue to educate yourself to stay up with the times. I believe the saying “practice makes perfect” as with practice comes learning.
Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning to think things through: Critical thinking across the curriculum. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 9780137085149)
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