Current State of My
Critical Thinking Competencies
What is the current state of my critical thinking competencies? I
am aware of specific intellectual standards and make a conscientious effort to use
them with the elements of reasoning. I make a diligent effort to use the
elements of reasoning by “going around the circle” of the Paulian Model of
critical thinking. I do this to develop intellectual traits and—when the
opportunity arises and the setting is appropriate—discuss these traits with
peers and those whom I am mentoring. I rely less on the visual aids available
in the texts and online, but I still refer to them to help ensure I stay
focused on continuing to develop my knowledge and understanding of these
helpful tools. I do this with the goal of improving my decision making not only
in my professional life but also my personal endeavors. (Nosich, 2012; Paul
& Elder, 2014).
Have My Thinking
Processes Changed at All Since I started the Course?
My thinking processes have changed since I started the course. Most
central to the changes is that I use a more systematic approach in my thinking
than I previously did. My initial definition of critical thinking shows that I
did have some awareness of intellectual standards, traits, and elements of
reasoning but, it was not clearly organized:
Critical thinking is using
sound reasoning, empathy, fairness, and unbiased judgement. It considers
context, purpose, writer/speaker/thinker, and target audience. It also involves
questioning whether or not a statement or claim meets standards. If the
statement, claim or thought does not meet standards, the statement, claim or
thought must be rejected or modified (Kurek, 2016).
The Paulian Model of critical thinking has given me a systematic
approach to my thinking which may be summarized as using intellectual standards,
applying them to the elements of reasoning, and developing intellectual traits.
Figure 1 is a simplified graphical representation of the Paulian model.
When comparing definitions of Ennis, Lipman, and Paul, my earlier
perception was that while “Ennis and Lipman are
almost linear in their definitions, Paul is more circular. That is, we need to
continually reevaluate what we are thinking to continually improve it" (Kurek,
2017). I need to rethink what I thought. Not one of the three is linear. Ennis uses the concept of reflective thinking.
That is, stepping back to evaluate my thinking, checking to see if it met my
standards. If not, I must go back and think again. Similarly, Lipman uses the
concept of self-correcting thinking. If my thinking is not sensitive to context
and standards, I must go back and rethink things but this time I must be
sensitive to context and standards. Paul simply says, “thinking about your
thinking, while you’re thinking” (Nosich, pp. 1-2). All three are reiterative
processes and none are linear.
Have I Been Able to
Internalize any of the Techniques and Concepts I have Learned?
The process of reflection has had a significant effect on
internalizing the techniques and concepts I learned. By making a determined,
conscientious effort to use critical thinking methods, they are becoming more
natural. I still have a long way to go to make all the standards, elements and
traits second nature but, I’ve made strides in my efforts to internalize them.
For example, when reading a news article, I’m more aware of the need to think
about the point of view of the author and in what context it is being presented.
I make sure that my assumptions about their point of view is not biased. While
I may not “go around the circle” for every article or video I consume, I do so
for issues that are truly important to my values or those around me.
What will it take to
make lasting, positive changes in the way you think?
I want to master my knowledge and understanding of the Paulian
Model of critical thinking, to become an expert, to
lead by example. I want to be able to share critical thinking techniques and
processes with others so they can improve their thinking not for me but for
themselves and those around them. The most viable way for me to achieve this is
to continue to make a conscientious effort to use the tools and techniques from
this course to improve my thinking as I pursue my lifelong learning endeavors.
References
Kurek, D. (2016). A500.1.4.DQ
- Critical Thinking [Online discussion post]. Retrieved from https://erau.instructure.com/courses/44425/discussion_topics/605167
Kurek, D. (2017). A500.1.4.DQ
- Critical Thinking [Online discussion post]. Retrieved from https://erau.instructure.com/courses/60630/discussion_topics/853256
Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning to
Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum (4th
ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The
Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools (7th ed.).
Tomales, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking Press.
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