In a knowledge driven world as the one we live in today, the advantages lies with those who can think critically and keep expanding their scope of knowledge.
Critical thinking can be defined as the objective analysis of facts to arrive at a judgement or a decision- it entails asking deep questions before accepting ideas as worthy of belief. It is a logical study of decision making techniques and enhancement of judgement skills. It is not only about the way we think and analyse facts, but also how we use those to decide upon a course of action and act on them.
Less I forget a very important fact; the ability to think critically entails putting forth an open-minded inquiry. It is stone of the founding stone of human civilization, a person who lives with pre-conceived notions and does not allow people to suggest changes is like a frog in well. Open mindedness is a very important tool in broadening ones scope of knowledge by allowing us to listen to different points of view and learning from each one.
IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING
• Critical thinking is important in getting successful in any and all professional field
• It deals with careful and concise interpretation of information leading to a practical conclusion
• Critical thinking can be applied in any field and any context as its principles are universal
• It aids in problem identification of problem and solution generation
• It aids in prioritizing sets of tasks and aids in understanding preference in problem solving
• It helps with accurate data comprehension and it ascertain the existence of a logical relationship
• Critical thinking teaches that open-mindedness is the most important requirement for learning
• Critical thinking helps you step out of your comfort zone
• Critical think helps you draw effective conclusion
• Critical thinking improves persuasion skill
• Critical thinking enhances communication skill
• Critical thinking helps in developing our EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
• Critical thinking helps us adapt easily to change and this is a direct result from the fact that critical thinking is snot restricted to one method or thought process
ASPECTS OF CRITICAL THINKING
In today’s world of quick fix and solution hunts, problems solvers are often left without the luxury of time to think and arrive at accurate thought process. The urgency in the fast moving world of business, technology and all that exist, the hasty decision which are arrived at on the spot are often incorrect and attend to cause chaos in the later stages of the implementation of most plans.
The ability to “think on your feet” is snot an INATE talent, it is a quality that can be honed and developed in individuals. The idea is to keep conditioning one’s mind to different scenarios, patterns and methods and studying giving problems from different angle, as this ensures that the final answer arrived at is conclusive, practical, comprehensive and completely inclusive.
There are three important parts of critical thinking;
QUICK THINKING; this quality allows a few people to think and answer questions on their feet, this quality is dependent on how much practice one puts into thinking things through and the answers given are prompt and satisfactory.
CREATIVE THINKING; this quality has to do with been able to generate new ideas on the spot and this skill is a developed by critical thing and pushing the mind beyond the limits you have set for it. Many problem solvers who don’t leave their comfort zone, limits their mind ability.
ANALYTIC THINKING; this involves defining problems and generating a list of possible solutions, and the best solution is selected for application.
CHARACTERISTICS OF CRITCAL THINKERS
• Curiosity
• Humility
• Objectivity
• Self-awareness
• Active listening
• Self-discipline
Critical thinking is a lifelong process of been inquisitive, curious, and interested in learning, to gain the ability of critical thinking, one needs to continue asking questions, learning from observing ours and others mistake. Critical thinking helps us to draw practical conclusions, increase our adaptively, persuasive and communicative skills.
THANKS FOR READING
images from pixabay.com