Approaching the half way point in my first Masters of Science in Leadership course I take pause to reflect on my progress in critical thinking. It is fair to say I had an open mind going in to this program which helped me establish a reference point to base my progress. I knew going in that I knew very little about what I was undertaking, yet I also knew that I would be challenged intellectually and therefore grow as a thinker. Scratching the surface of critical thought processes and learning the basic elements and intellectual standards of CT I have discovered that I actually have a pretty firm foundation to build upon. The seed was already planted, and the circumstances are ripe for growth.
Linda Elder and Richard Paul have defined critical thinking as "the ability and disposition to improve one's thinking by systematically subjecting it to intellectual self-assessment" (2010). By this definition I can state accurately that I have become more aware of my thoughts since day one-week one. I find myself applying an open minded approach to every aspect of my life. I consistently question my thoughts and actions, both past and present, to see if I am in fact using a fair objectivity, reasonable assumptions, and clarity of thought with minimal bias or preconceived notions. Being challenged weekly to utilize the elements and standards of CT in my studies and assignments I have quickly developed some acute habits that have spilled over into my very active life. I find myself analyzing everything!
The spark for me in critical thinking is questioning. It is amazing to discover where my mind takes me when I start to question my own thought process. I haven't really made a distinct effort to begin internally, but I catch myself questioning my first reactions to situations that pop up. For example, as a husband I find myself pausing to reflect on what my wife is really trying to say to me in our conversations instead of hearing the bits and pieces I think are important. As a father I have begun to see the world and all its bewilderment through my children's eyes. At work I have developed more patience with the little things that may not make sense to me and look for the bigger picture. I have rapidly become more reflective and analytical, but not to any extreme measure. I feel more capable to soak up my surroundings and see things more clearly. And this is only week 5!
Just like any skill acquired in life it will take practice and determination to keep sharp. To keep progressing in CT and truly Master this program it will take some running, tripping, and falling outside my comfort zone. I can keep pushing myself to hone my CT skills. I feel very comfortable and confident in some assumptions going forward...
I will be a better person through CT.
I will develop intellectually and thereby be better equipped to contribute.
I will Master this program.
JP
Reference:
Elder, L. with Paul R. 2010. http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-development-a-stage-theory/483
Linda Elder and Richard Paul have defined critical thinking as "the ability and disposition to improve one's thinking by systematically subjecting it to intellectual self-assessment" (2010). By this definition I can state accurately that I have become more aware of my thoughts since day one-week one. I find myself applying an open minded approach to every aspect of my life. I consistently question my thoughts and actions, both past and present, to see if I am in fact using a fair objectivity, reasonable assumptions, and clarity of thought with minimal bias or preconceived notions. Being challenged weekly to utilize the elements and standards of CT in my studies and assignments I have quickly developed some acute habits that have spilled over into my very active life. I find myself analyzing everything!
The spark for me in critical thinking is questioning. It is amazing to discover where my mind takes me when I start to question my own thought process. I haven't really made a distinct effort to begin internally, but I catch myself questioning my first reactions to situations that pop up. For example, as a husband I find myself pausing to reflect on what my wife is really trying to say to me in our conversations instead of hearing the bits and pieces I think are important. As a father I have begun to see the world and all its bewilderment through my children's eyes. At work I have developed more patience with the little things that may not make sense to me and look for the bigger picture. I have rapidly become more reflective and analytical, but not to any extreme measure. I feel more capable to soak up my surroundings and see things more clearly. And this is only week 5!
Just like any skill acquired in life it will take practice and determination to keep sharp. To keep progressing in CT and truly Master this program it will take some running, tripping, and falling outside my comfort zone. I can keep pushing myself to hone my CT skills. I feel very comfortable and confident in some assumptions going forward...
I will be a better person through CT.
I will develop intellectually and thereby be better equipped to contribute.
I will Master this program.
JP
Reference:
Elder, L. with Paul R. 2010. http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-development-a-stage-theory/483
No comments:
Post a Comment