Critical Thinking Reflection
Different courses equip learners with skills to enhance success in school and general life. Some skills are applicable in specific situations, while others can be applied universally. Developing critical thinking is instrumental in problem-solving since it helps to solve complex problems creatively and constructively (Rahman, 2019). As a result, it is crucial to understand what critical thinking entails and how to improve it. The purpose of this paper is to define critical thinking, its essential skills, and how to enhance it.
Defining Critical Thinking
Although its definitions vary with scholars, critical thinking typifies a process-based process for approaching problems innovatively. It involves asking clear questions, in-depth thinking and conceptualizing a problem to develop an effective solution (Rahman, 2019). Integrating critical thinking in problem-solving encourages reflective thinking. Broadly, critical thinking entails approaching issues with a determination to understand, analyze, and evaluate the significance of information therein (Abitheira et al., n.d.). The implication is that a critical thinker evaluates viable options and contemplates the impacts and relevance of each before settling on the most appropriate to a specific situation.
Critical Thinking Skills and Enhancing Critical Thinking
The foundation of critical thinking is creative thinking. The process starts with generating viable options to address an issue (creative thinking) before contemplating their effects (Abitheira et al., n.d.). Hence, the foundation skill of critical thinking is creative thinking. Besides, creative thinkers require analytical and problem-evaluation skills. They should be able to approach an issue logically and evaluate the options available to avoid superficial decision-making. Critical thinking can be enhanced by embracing logical reasoning and questioning assumptions when solving problems. Diversifying thoughts and perspectives is also effective since it broadens the thinking scope (Meneses, 2020). Individually or jointly, these strategies promote creativity in problem-solving and encourage reflective thinking.
Conclusion
Critical thinking entails an in-depth exploration of viable options when solving a problem. It is a core component of reflective thinking and involves understanding, analyzing, and evaluating an issue to avoid superficial solutions. Vital in school and general life, creative thinking can be enhanced through questioning assumptions and diversifying thoughts and perspectives. As a result, creative thinkers understand the implications of diverse standpoints in problem-solving and why each should be understood, analyzed, and evaluated.
References
Abitheira, M., Joyce, D., Aroz, R. J., DiCarlo, K., Larson, E., Steele, J. & Dyer, T. (n.d.). 21st century skills: Critical thinking and problem solving. Grand Canyon University Media.
Meneses, L. F. S. (2020). Critical thinking perspectives across contexts and curricula: Dominant, neglected, and complementing dimensions. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 35, 100610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2019.100610
Rahman, M. M. (2019). 21st century skill “problem solving”: Defining the concept. Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(1), 64-74. https://doi.org/10.34256/ajir1917
