Get Your Students Hired
Gayle,
Right you are. Once the reason for the situation or problem is understood then proposed solutions can start to be developed leading to a solved problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There has to be an understanding of the reasons. Think through the rationale; gives a foundation from which to move to the next level.
Rick,
Well said because problem solving is a progressive effort as more information and insight is gained about a problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Based on reasoning definition reasoning based on assumption, based on data, information and evidence, expressed through and shaped by concepts and ideas, and somewhere or has implications and consequences based on this reasoning does play a vital role in critical thinking.
Bill,
Thank you for these comments and the analysis of how reasoning contributes to the proposal and solution of problems.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Others in this forum have presented definitions of reasoning. To me, reasoning is the essence of critical thinking, not simply a resource.
After reading the course material to this point, I temporarily conclude that critical thinking is a term used to describe the antithesis of how we as humans often, if not usually, arrive at a decsision. When we make decisions, we often do so on the basis of unconscious adherence to preconceived notions and attitudes, biases, selective perception of information, and limited consideration of alternatives. Reasoning is the way critical thinking attempts to avoid or minimize this.
Miriam,
Great definition of reasoning. I like the way you have broken out the segments of reasoning so progress can be seen in terms of moving toward the solution of a challenge or problem.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reasoning was defined as follows by google:
Think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic: "humans do not reason entirely from facts"; "the reasoning behind the review".
Find an answer to a problem by considering various possible solutions.
I like this very much. Critical thinking does not mean that you spent more than one minute thinking about an answer or you went to your book and looked up the answer. Reasoning helps you to see the various responses and help to assess their validity so that your decision is justified. Critical thinking does not simply involve making a decision but knowing why and how that decision is the right one which is where reasoning comes into play.
Brian,
Thank you for this well described critical thinking definition and process. This is what critical thinking should be about. Students need to have sufficient experiences through activities such as case studies to acquire the basic steps of problem solving so they can expand their expertise as critical thinkers once they enter their career area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As with many things, answering this question first requires defining what one means by "reasoning." Merriam-Webster online defines it as "the drawing of inferences and conclusions through the use of reason." From this standpoint then, critical thinking could be defined as the use of reasoning to establish effective solutions to problems. If one enlarges the definition or uses the connotative definition where reasoning is simply using rational means to sort through questions, then reasoning could be described as the foundation of critical thinking. It is used throughout the critical thinking process at each and every stage.
Daniel,
I like the steps you have outlined for problem solving and critical thinking. If we can impart the understanding and value of these steps to our students we will have accomplished much in helping them move toward career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Reasoning is how you make conclusions. You look at the assumptions you have, and the facts you have gathered and you try to connect them to form a conclusion as to the question you are working.
Out of reasoning can come a conclusion, or a recognition that there is a gap in the information that will make it impossibile to reach a conclusion. The next step may be to seek the missing information.
Chrissy,
From a cognition standpoint your are right on. There needs to be perceived value if the learner is going to continue to be engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe reasoning plays a big roll in this process. I believe this should be the first step in the critical thinking problem solving process because people need to stop and absorb what has just been presented to them. Give their brain time to reason the information so that they can continue with the problem solving issue at hand.