Take some time to reflect on the current state of your critical
thinking competencies.
At this point in the course I do not see where my critical
thinking has gained any headway from prior to the course or the degree work.
What I have seen is a greatly improved understanding of critical
thinking and why I think and conduct myself the way I do. As an example, the
SEE-I method of writing has been a valuable tool for clarifying which is an
excellent method, from which to begin critical thinking and formulating clearer
questions in my mind from which to put to practicality.
Consider your thinking processes when you started the course.
Have they changed at all?
I still consider what I wrote in A500.1.4.DQ, Critical Thinking regarding
Matthew Lipman’s definition of “Critical thinking is skillful, responsible
thinking that is conductive to good judgment because it is sensitive to
context, relies on criteria, and is self-correcting”.
I believe that this definition is the most accurate and my preferred
definition. It addresses salient points like skillful and responsive thinking,
good judgment, relying on criteria with the opportunity for self-correction
during the process.
Also
for critical thinking to occur two
things must take place. (1.) There must be reflective thinking, in other words,
one must be cognizant of ones own thinking, and (2.) high standards must be met
for reflective thinking and reasoning that is done well.
With this in mind my
approach to reflective thinking and how it effects critical thinking has gained
a broader notion and clarity in that for critical thinking to have a beginning
or gain some ground after commencement, Reflective thinking must occur as a
catalyst much like assumptions. Assumptions were at one point for me something
that was utilized as an uneducated guess; I have since changed my thoughts on that,
as assumptions are not an educated guess or making an ass-out-of-you-and-me.
But rather assumptions are the key to critical thinking and if you are aware of
the assumptions you make you can also be further aware of and evaluate them to
be better in charge of your critical thinking.
Have you been able to internalize any of the techniques
and concepts you have learned?
Yes as stated in the last section, assumptions have taken
on a new meaning and concept for me. I believe I am a bit more free to act on
my assumptions while keeping them in check to a particular topic
to check and see if they are reasonable or worthwhile pursuing.
I further believe that as it is a newfound skill, I need
to be cognizant that some may either be unaware of or hold to the old
definitions of the word.
Action research is another area I have been unfamiliar with. It is important to remember that action research was
developed for and by higher education as a means toward higher end professional
and teacher education utilizing action research in a working method or manner.
It has evolved over the years into various disciplines such as: management
education, organizational studies, social and health care work as well as other
professional pursuits. action research causes reflective questions like:
improving ones work, and accountability as being part of a good and
professional practice with the desire toward developing and increasing your
knowledge base and a higher level of expertise.
What will it take to make lasting, positive changes in the
way you think?
I
guess as I mature and find myself into more high-end career choices, and
furthering my education at the graduate level and possibly beyond.
I
stick to the core beliefs of: Honesty, Loyalty, Cleanliness, Strong moral
compass and Forward thinking as discussed in: A500.2.3.RB_LarsonKurt, Tell Your
Story.
My
outlooks tend to be shaped to a greater extent by my family beliefs, my
professional attributes and the education of my degree work. Those things
blended together are what are shaping me for the future, while my core beliefs
are keeping me on track and focused.
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