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Many of us are not who they can be.
Each person has a great potential, but only a small
part of people disclose it. The rest are inactive.
It is possible to improve thinking and this process is not fundamentally different
from learning to play the piano, learning languages or creating origami. The difficulty
is that thinking is physically intangible, therefore it is very difficult to track changes.
The development of thinking, and particularly critical, requires a conscious attitude
towards it and regular practice. Just desire is not enough.
Before learning about the strategies for developing critical thinking, we will find out what phases there are through which a person passes, in his quest to become critically thinking:
Stage one : a non-reflective thinker (not aware of the significant problems of his thinking)
Stage two : the doubting thinker (aware of the problems of his thinking)
Stage three : a beginner thinker (trying to improve his thinking on an irregular basis and haphazardly)
Stage four : a practicing thinker (understands the importance of regular and systematic practice)
Stage five : an advanced thinker (grows according to the amount of conscious practice)
Stage six : the master (experienced and perceptive thinking becomes second nature)
Thus, first of all, two steps must be taken to become critically thinking:
- Recognize the presence of problems in your own thinking.
- Regularly practice for the development of thinking.
Now let's see what strategies exist for the development of critical thinking.
Strategy one: stop wasting time on meaningless things
Time can always be found if you get rid of something that does not do any good. You probably know what it is in your case. This can be like visiting useless sites, or worrying about the past or the future. The released time can be used more productively: read books, view training videos, question common information and look for new facts.
Remember when the last time you felt that you were unable to reflect. And when your thinking was clear and clear? In the first case, for certain reason, there were lessons that did not bring benefits. In the second - the concentration on the topic or conversation, the lack of irritants. Take time to important and remove all the unimportant.
Strategy two: select one problem per day
You probably have things to do or work to do. Do this, but when there are several free minutes, find a single topic for study.
What is the problem? Express it in the form of a question or statement. How does it affect your goals and needs? Specifically, look for information relevant to your problem, study all points of view. If this is a problem with self-motivation , then read a few books on this topic, write down some tips, then follow them.
Do not forget that the goal is to become a critical person, so question the information you read and check what works, what does not. A person who does not seek to obtain the most objective knowledge will deny what is inconvenient or difficult. You must first try the advice in the case, check the data and only then make a verdict.
The chain of events looks like this: problem identification - analysis - development of action options - choice of action options - strategy and approach development - actions.
Strategy Three: Create Intelligent Standards
They can be such: accuracy, clarity, accuracy, relevance, depth, logic, significance. This means that you try to stick to these standards as often as possible. One week you can concentrate on being precise in thinking and words. The other is dedicated to the ability tocommunicate clearly to others . In the third week, pay attention to finding synonyms and metaphors for your ideas.
Strategy Four: Create an Intelligent Journal
Develop a habit to dedicate a specific topic every week. You can use the following format:
- The situation . Describe it in detail and from various angles: emotional, logical, scientific.
- Your reaction . How did you react to the situation?
- Analysis . Analyze what actually happened. Get to the bottom.
- Evaluation . Appreciate the work done. What shortcomings in your thinking did you notice? Were there any misconceptions?
Strategy Five: Change Your Character and Thinking
Thinking is not easy to change, and some books will not be enough. You must develop those qualities that will help to instill critical thinking forever: discipline and will power, perseverance, courage, intellectual modesty. The latter means to assume that your opinion may turn out to be incorrect and to check the facts. After all, one should not only critically treat someone else's opinion, but also one's own opinion. Intellectual arrogance is the fastest way to delusions.
Critical thinking is the key when it comes to finding the truth and the ability to reflect. Such people can not be fooled, because they always try to check information, and not believe in the word. Of course, there is not enough time for everything, however, when it comes to key issues, it is this type of thinking that helps out. If you want to learn more about it, go throughour course on cognitive science , where several types of thinking are trained, including critical ones. And do not forget to read books. Start, for example, with the "Psychology of Critical Thinking" by Diane Halpern.
We wish you good luck!
