I think that a genuine interest and curiousity in the subject you are studying is a key factor in critical thinking. If I am interested in some topic or subject I would want to know everything and every angle of the subject, especially if I want to be an expert in the field of study.
Stephen,
Your comments are right on in terms of getting students to see that being successful as a chef is more than just technical skill. They need to be able to analyze and problem solve through critical thinking. Being able to do so is what will enable them to move upward in their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being in the culinary industry as an educator it is important that we use critical thinking skills ourselves as well as trying to pass these skills on to our students. It is essential that as we teach and as they learn that we are trying to explain not only the how but the when, the where and the why. Being a chef is not about the ability to do something it is the ability to critically think and understand why we do things. For example I can teach how to make a basic meringue but they also need to know how much to whip, why adding an acid helps, why to check teh temperature of the eggs, etc... This shows exactly why a chef must be a critical thinker and must posess the ability to multi-task and to understand critically teh deeper thought besides "how".
Kenneth,
I like the way you have developed your approach to inquiry learning. This method enables your students to see concepts and ideas from different perspectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One of our challenges as teachers was highlighted in the course: sociocentrism. Both young and old can be so enculturated and comfortable that what they "feel" is the same as what the "know" and it can be hard to jump start the process in some students. I find I must "walk softly" into a subject in order to beguile the student (one course I teach is about different cultures). I ask students if they can articulate specifics of what is "normal" for them, then later describe elements in another culture that are a different "normal". Just getting students to accept that somewhere exists people with different beliefs and habits is a real success sometimes.
Maggie,
This so important the medical field. Your nurses need to have the ability to analyze a situation and bring up in their minds how to resolve that situation. The more options they have learned about and practiced the more choices they have available to help the patient.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowledge is fundamental to critical thinking. Nurses use their knowledge in clinical situations to gather data, make relevant connections, and synthesize the data. In teaching nursing students, the emphasis is on developing the ability to prioritize and make sound clinical decisions.
Rickey,
Both comments are right on in terms how to engage students in the learning process. They must see how they fit into the class, are comfortable with being their and can see the value of what is being taught. This sets the stage for learning success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe for instructors at all levels of education, should posses common sense,positive energy, sense of humor, formal education and relevant stories on the subject matter coupled with problem solving attributes. In the technical classroom I've also learned cause and effect scenarios aid in extending critical thinking characteristics.
Lloyd,
Thank you for this explanation about critical thinking processes and efforts. You are right about critical thinking being something that individuals need to work on because in our use of technology today sometimes individuals think that technology is doing the thinking rather that just providing support. Currently, we humans still have to do the thinking to drive the technology.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From my perspective a critical thinker should show traits of being analytical, patient, and fair. You cannot rush into the decision with your eyes and mind closed. You want to explore options if any and try to be rational and decisive. Granted there are times you will have to make quick decision on things, but if your been fair and reflective on past experience and traits of your thought process you can work out many things. Critical thinking is something one must work on and they have to put time and effort into it. In this day and age some people look to the smartphones and computers to give them the answer rather than let these items aid with their thought process. It is ok to use the technology available to us for critical thinking, but one should coup it with the attitude to be inquisitive. That way a person is been creative and resourceful in their thinking.
Richard,
Good strategy for you to use because students need to develop skill in the ability to communicate their positions clearly and concisely.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my speech class I always challenge my students to look at an opposing view, or views, when they are doing their persuasive speech assignment. And I ask them to be prespared to defend either point of view, regardless of their personal stance.
Hello Larry,
I thought your comment on "creative solutions are not always obvious simplifications" sparked my interest. While "Logic" is found to be part to be a critical thinker many results are found through the creative thought process. Do you feel creativity is just as important as being logical and how is one taught to be creative?
Henry,
Critical thinking helps a person to look at other options and find alternative solutions. This is why it is important to think globally when approaching a problem to see how many different solutions there might be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
A critical thinker will question what he/she is told. A critical thinker will help others to develop their own knowledge and expertise
Rhodri,
I like your last sentence because I really enjoy teaching these students as well. I can see how they take their thinking to the next level and are seeking to work through challenges that will help them to be critical thinkers and successful in their careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'll approach this question as an analysis of my students. The students I would describe as critical thinkers are those who are always questioning the "how" or "why" of information presented to them. They don't take anything at face value, but seek to understand each topic from a perspective of application to their own lives. They are also persistent in seeking knowledge; if an answer doesn't make sense to them, or seems incomplete, they continue to seek clarification until their question has been answered to their satisfaction. These students are so much fun to teach!
Elizabeth,
Great question and I'm not sure if I can answer it or not. In helping them to understand at which speed they should use their critical thinking skills I would use as many case studies as I could. The more examples they can have presented and work through the more accurately they will be able to identify at which speed they should respond to an emergency. This is by no means an exact science because some people are not able to catch on how to determine speed as well as solutions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In nursing, critical thinking has two speeds. There is an emergency speed where you react to the data as fast as it comes in like someone is bleeding--put pressure on the wound and call for help. The slower care planning part is where you look at what is wrong with the client and figure out ways to help them deal with what is wrong and still live life the fullest possible. Both parts are essential to the professional nurse. The swithc from one speed to another is hard for students to learn. So, the first skill is to critically decide which speed is needed. Any ideas on how to present this to the learner?
