INSTITUT PERGURUAN TUN HUSSEIN ONN,
BATU PAHAT, JOHOR.
PROGRAM PERSEDIAAN IJAZAH SARJANA
MUDA PENDIDIKAN(PPISMP)
STUDENT NAME : PAVITTHRA A/P ARULCHELVAN
IDENTITY CARD : 921005-05-5112
CLASS/GROUP : TESL 2
COURSE/INTAKE : PPISMP JUNE INTAKE 2010
SUBJECT : THINKING SKILLS
LECTURER : EN. ZAHARUDIN B MD TALIP
DEADLINE : 27 AUGUST 2010
Introduction
It is acknowledged that in this 21st century, human life is crammed with all kind of
challenges; no matter in personal, social interaction, or when dealing with something.
They always face problems due to the rapid growth of high technologies and everyone
seems to be very busy. As an upcoming generation, especially the student community,
is always looked upon and remarked as the one that exposed to dispute and
arguments, because they are actively performing in education wise, sports, and
managing themselves in various situation. They are on the process of reaching
adulthood, physically and mentally. Before they make each step or action to overcome
these stuffs, it is crucial for them to have critical and creative thinking, since these
specified thinking skills, facilitate them to attain a good judgment in an artistic way.
Before we proceed, first, I would like to describe the delineation of critical and
creative thinking. This is to refreshen our mind on the concept of these terms and to
make sure that readers could understand the proper applications of these both thinking
skills and the importance of them in our daily life. Critical and creative thinking are
frequently collocated by researches who investigate higher order thinking. The order of
the terms, that is, whether, critical or creative appears first, is usually irrelevant. These
both forms of thinking are actually different from each other but there is a common
perception that they actually rely on each other and have a close relationship formed.
Although, they may very well be different sides of a coin, but they are not identical
(Beyer, 1989, p.35).
Importance of critical thinking skills.
Critical thinking seeks to assess worth or validity in something that exists. It
involves knowledge of strategies as well as a propensity toward applying them, is a
major component of education (Brookfield, 1987; National Education Goals Panel,
1991). Furthermore, it cultivates students by creating awareness of difficult real-world
problems and prepares them to evaluate the merits and demerits of proposed solutions.
Faculties in all disciplines want students to perform complex mental operations that will
allow them to be successful in coursework, in future careers, and in their personal lives
(Pellegrino, 1995; Siegel, 1980; Weiss, 1992/1993). From the Alvin’s (1990) glossary,
critical thinking is the process of determining the authenticity, accuracy, or value of
something.
For an example in student’s life; in an examination hall when the question papers
are distributed, firstly students will think; what are the questions going to be asked? Do
the chapters that we prepared will be questioned? At that particular moment, they start
to think critically and refresh their minds on the subtopics they have studied. By thinking
critically, they are able to make small reference on the things they have prepared
without looking at books and notes. Next step, when they go through all the questions
they are asked to choose only one question from the given choices and answer it.
Once more the role of critical thinking is played. Students select the best question
among all to be answered. During their critical thinking moment, actually their mind is
coming across many key words related to that specified question.
Besides, they consider the toughness of the questions, points, solutions,
formula, and things to be elaborated on. Then, for one or two minutes, they close their
eyes to make a short review on it; write all important keys next to it, and start answering
it. So, it is clearly known that, importance of critical thinking is revealed in this situation
where students take into account many things before answering a question paper.
Moreover, this evaluative thinking is significant for students to make up their own
mind in situations. Usually, they face problem when they are in a critical situation; when
a best friend of them invite them to a birthday party or movie but at the same time they
have assignments to be finished up. In this case, they have to think critically and make
a positive decision. They should give priority to which comes first and most crucial;
whether the assignments or the entertainments. Although the friend is the close one but
then, in this matter they need to think rationally. This is where critical thinking promotes
mind to make a suitable judgment. So as prominent critical thinkers, they do not jump
into conclusions easily. They take some time to think it very crucially and decide to
complete the assignments first; then carry on with the less important things!
Another example that students are always exposed to other than education is
advertisements. It is a must for them to think critically the purpose of the
advertisements, its advantages, disadvantages, and usages in daily life. By thinking
critically, it could help them evaluate the consequences of these advertisements;
whether brings good or bad to themselves. They list down all the effects and make a
good assumption or pre decision. At last, they are able to come up with their own
decision whether to accept and follow the information or just reject it. Such thinking
actually deepens their mind to evaluate something precisely.
In due all fairness, critical thinking also encourages student to think for them
themselves to question hypothesis, to develop alternative hypothesis, and to test those
against the known facts. Certainly, they are able to cope successfully with changing
environments, go along well with their tasks they perform and the decision they make to
carry out, thus gaining a competitive advantage over their equals who do not posses
critical thinking skills.
In addition, it is opposed to rote learning or memorization, requires identifying
problems, collecting relevant facts or data, making and testing generalizations. For
example, seeing multiple or layered meanings in a text or event; appreciating the
importance of context and perspective in interpreting a text. They also learn to play with
ideas, through speculation, induction, deduction, counter factual, metaphorical thinking,
discerning, themes and patterns in the past and devising; interpretations to explain
them; develop the ability to comprehend diverge point of view.
Elements of critical thinking skills.
To add, there are two essential dimension of thinking skill that students need to
master in order to learn how to upgrade their thinking. They should able to identify the
“parts” of their thinking, which mean the “elements” and to evaluate the use of these
parts. Furthermore, elements of critical thinking can be divided into eight divisions. Each
of these components has significant effect in promoting my learning. The first is all
reasoning has a purpose. During my SPM examination, when I answered the Science
subject questions such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, I applied that element,
because most of the questions are related to reasoning. From a question there will be
another question related to it.
To answer these types of questions, I need to come up with suitable
explanations. For example, the question begins as this; “why a person suffers from
cardiovascular disease?” The answer will be “because he constantly takes fast food
meals.” The following question will be “explain the reason for the above answer.” So at
this point where, I have already given an answer for the first question and the second
question asks reason for that particular answer whereby I need to distinguish my
purpose from the related purpose. In order to give my reasons and explain on them, I
had taken time, think carefully, and state my justification because my answer should
give a clear explanation to get full marks.
I have to check periodically to be sure I am still on the target to solve the
question. Before making an accurate conclusion, I need to choose realistic reasons and
answer questions which come into my mind such as “why fast food meals cause
cardiovascular disease?”, “what are the components of these meals that have negative
effects to cause this disease?” After all these considerations, I answered “fast food
meals contain a lot of unsaturated fat and cholesterol which deposit on the arterial wall,
causing arteriosclerosis. To conclude, this element taught me ways to think critically and
to end up with a precise solution.
The second element is all reasoning is an attempt to figure something out, to
settle some questions and to solve problem. For example, the reaction between
Calcium Carbonate, (CaCO3) and Hydrochloric acid, (HCL). So, when solving this
equation, actually I discovered the reaction between the molecules, particles, change
and transfer of electrons. Besides, the release of CO2 gas too show the evidence of the
reaction that took place. Thus, these incidents lead to solve the equation between the
reactions of both chemical substances. The reaction will produce Calcium Chloride,
(CaCl2), water, (H2O) and Carbon dioxide gas, (CO2). This type of question comprise of
many component in itself. While I try to solve the equation, actually I am also trying to
describe the movement of molecules, attraction of opposite charges, release of gas,
and production of new chemical substance.
Next, is all reasoning is based on assumptions. During my physics classes, I
have done a lot of experiments. Before, carrying out them, I need to make assumptions
based on the given situations. For example, I did the pendulum experiment to
investigate the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the period of
oscillation. First, I made a suitable assumption, by stating; the longer the pendulum the
longer the period of oscillation of the pendulum. This is just an assumption made by
myself based on the given aim of this experiment. But, there are also chances for me to
assume that, the longer the pendulum, the shorter the period of oscillation of the
pendulum.
When I do think critically, I come up with those assumptions and there is
difference between them. Assumptions are actually shaping our point of view towards a
problem. How we look at the problem? From which angle do we see it? So,
assumptions do help us to enhance our point of view. But how we know whether the
assumptions we made previously are true, logic and acceptable. They might be either
correct or incorrect. So, how to determine this sort of confusion? Thus, we need to
practice our assumption in these real situations to solve problems. Therefore in such
case, I carried out the experiment to get an accurate result.
At this point, we also look up into the fourth element that is, all reasoning
contains inference and interpretations by which we draw conclusions and give meaning
to data. After observing the movement of pendulum and calculate the time, then I
represented them in the table form. This is to analyze easily the data shown. Here we
need to infer what the evidence implies and check inferences for their consistency with
each other. This is because assumptions that we have identified lead to the inference.
At the end of this experiment, I have proved that my first assumption is correct and
acceptable with the reality; when the length of the pendulum is longer, it takes more
time to finish a complete oscillation. The inference will be stated as; the period of
oscillation is influenced by the length of pendulum.
The fifth part of critical thinking is, all reasoning is done from point of view. When
I was in school, my teacher always encourages me to take part in the story-telling and
debate competitions. Some time I would be so excited to take part, but some time I feel
lazy and find them as boring. So, I have two different types of point of view towards the
competition. To make my mind set, first I see them from the positive angle. What would
I gain if I enter the competition? I will get certificates and if I seem to win then I will be
given prizes.
Moreover, I am able to develop my language tones, style, vocabulary, and
fluency. Besides, for debate, I will gain new knowledge when I do find for points to be
debated on the topic. By taking part in these competitions, I will also strengthen my self
confidence. While I am telling the story, I will be standing alone on the stage and the
audience will be seated down. I am not accompanied by anyone. As they watch my
performance from there, I will feel nervous and might panic anytime.
To avoid these incidents from happening, I would practice many times and fortify
my self confidence. These are all the plus points. But I must also seek for other point of
view that is negative thinking. This thinking will make me feel lazy and not interested
because I need to spend more time to memorize the text content and find points.
Furthermore, this will distract me from completing my homework and other important
things. Thus, after considering all these things I need to strive to be fair-minded in
evaluating all the points of view.
Since, in this case, there are more plus points than the minus. So, I will take part
in the competitions; put my full effort and energy to gain success. At the same time, I
will adjust my time to finish my homework and other works. Negative point of view, is
also good for us to make up our own mind, but if we always practice this thinking and
neglect good things, then we will end up in failure and will miss the precious chances to
improve ourselves and become better person.
The sixth element is all reasoning is based on data, information, and evidence.
This part is important when doing essays. To do a good essay, we need information
from various sources such as newspaper, journal, books, and internet and also from
real happenings. When we include all these, data and evidence, our essay becomes
more compact with knowledge and shows our maturity in elaborating the points and
give suitable examples. We should search for info that supports and opposes our topic.
Make sure all the information used it clear, accurate and relevant to the question at
issue. We should also ensure that we have gathered sufficient information; nothing is
left out to complete the essay. These matters are significant in ensuring the high quality
of the outcome of the essay.
The next part is all reasoning is expressed through and shaped by concepts and
ideas. That means, when we want to present or express something to others. The best
way is to know its concepts and ideas. When we follow these concepts and ideas,
others intend to understand well, the matter that we are trying to tell them.
Likewise, we handled an English exhibition. English is such a wide title, thus how
we are going to present exhibition on the title? So first, we found the concepts and
ideas; several themes such as festivals, taboos and superstitions, places of interest,
and foods. This each theme will have its own method to represent its content of
knowledge, such as charts, pictures, materials, games and quiz as this sort of games
and graphical organizers lead to better understandings of the theme and improve their
English language proficiency.
These sorts of exciting methods will include the grammatical rules, proverbs,
phonetics and some other components of the language. These are the best ways to use
the concepts with care and precision. Because when students take part in those
activities and exciting games such as puzzle solving, making the voodoo doll according
to the steps given, mix and match, and singing, they will have fun and enjoyments
besides learning and upgrading their language tricks.
The last element that is the eighth one is all reasoning lead somewhere or has
implications and consequences. We should trace the implications and consequences
that follow from the reason that we made. For example is, solving the mathematical
reasoning which I studied in form five. In the mathematical reasoning question, there will
be a situation given, so I need to come out with two implications from the situation. For
example, x is greater than one, only if only, x equals to three. So the first implication will
be; if x is more than one, then x is equal to three. The second implication will be as; if x
equals to three, then x is more than one. These implications made are actually leading
to a conclusion whereby stating that x equals to three and three is more than one.
Practicing critical thinking skills in classroom.
Foremost, there are many ways for teachers to guide students to practice these
skills in their daily life. Critical thinking requires deliberating, continuing instruction, and
practice in order to develop it to its full potential. It will not take place if a student’s goal
is simply “an exit score from school, necessary to enter a professional course, which
only involves surface approaches by teachers to learning with inappropriate assessment
driven learning” (Caldred and Aldred, 1998, 654).
Teachers should organize debates so that students could argue from knowledge
and give their own opinion and explain briefly the reasons. Besides also teach them the
budgeting method; that is involving mathematical problem solving. This is an efficient
way to shape students as critical thinkers. In fact students must be given a chance to
conduct the class fund money. If the materials they needed to buy is not there, so they
will think of an alternate thing to be replaced. Moreover, they will also learn to spend the
money on useful and beneficial stuffs in a proper way.
Furthermore, they also should given essays because this will form clarity of
expression. Students will express themselves well, in the form of essays. Quality of
essays will represent the thinking level and maturity of their mind. The usage of various
vocabularies and referring to many sources to collect points will illustrate their initiative
to perform well. Organizing quiz is absolutely a superb way for them to think critically.
They will answer the questions individually and in groups. When they give their own
answer, they are able to think on their own idea. Otherwise when they are doing
teamwork, they able to be open minded and each of them will contribute their mind
thought. Indeed, they will either agree or disagree about their classmate’s ideas by
rising proper reason and argumentations.
Students are also should be encouraged to involve themselves in instructional
activities. This will make them to be aware of what they are going to be asked. They will
be always alert and well prepared. One of the activities that is interesting and promote
critical thinking in students is project designing. This is an opportunity for students to
solve problems, to invent, or to improve a product. They might also design a strategy to
achieve goals.
Scientific method is a formulization of critical thinking. Critical matter is some
sense intuitive and automatic. For example in science subjects, the teacher harps on
correlation, necessity, sufficiency and the kinds of experiments required to gather each
type of evidence ( Gidelight in Gilbert’s Development Biology, 200, Sinquer Associates).
These techniques which include both verbal and written reinforcements are used to
invigorate students to evaluate claims about cause and effect that is to distinguish
between correlation and causation. In addition, to learn facts, concepts and certain key
experiments, the students learn the principles of the scientific method that means
students become critical thinkers. So, how is this idea being applied? First, the lecture
period is divided into discussion of observation, loss and gain of function, experiments
and controls.
These steps introduce the first principle of and the vocabulary of experimental
biology. Thereafter, each piece of information can be frequently discussed with
reference to those principles. At last, everyone has those discussions, the final project,
tests, and reinforce the same idea. In conjunct, what do the students get out of it? They
understand from where information comes, where to start when they are asked to think
about something.
Moreover, they can judge the validity of conclusions. As their confidence grows,
they become more active participants in class. Thence, this provides beneficial values
to students; gain a real understanding of how to go about asking questions. The
experimental design techniques and problem solving approaches do really strengthen
their critical thinking skills. They feel less over helmed by all the research and
knowledge by knowing how to break it down into manageable questions.
Importance of creative thinking skills.
Likewise, creative thinking too plays a very crucial role in students’ daily life.
Creative thinking is a specific thought process which improves the ability to be creative;
being in an optimal state of mind for generating new ideas. One should think
deliberately in ways that improve the likelihood of new thought occurring and to
maximize the ability of the brain to think of new, original, diverse, and elaborate ideas. It
is a series of mental action which produce changes and developments of thought. The
process is also defined as an exploring multiple avenues of actions or thoughts.
Creative thinking can be stimulated both by a freewheeling (unstructured)
process such as brainstorming and by a step by step (structured). It is also thinking
about new situations in inventive and unusual ways in order to understand them better
and respond to them in a new constructive manner; learners think creatively in all
subjects areas when they imagine, invent, alter or improve a concept or product. A
creative thinker is curious, seeks problem, and enjoys challenges, optimistic, able to
suspend judgment, comfortable with imagination, and sees problems as opportunities
and interesting. For them obstacles are emotionally acceptable, as they do not give up
easily and always work hard.
It is an ability to generate new ideas by combining, changing, or reapplying
existing ideas. Some creative ideas are astonishing and brilliant, while others are just
simple, good, practical ideas that no one seems to have thought of yet. Moreover,
creative thinking is also an attitude; the capability to accept change and newness, a
willingness to play with ideas and possibilities, a flexibility of outlook and the habit of
enjoying, while looking for ways to develop it. We are socialized into accepting only a
small number of permitted or normal things, like buying small note pad to jot down
notes. But a creative thinker thinks that there are other possibilities, like collecting used
note books, separating the over left blank sheets which are still in good condition,
compile them into a compatible note book, make the cover page and then use it for
taking notes! This type creative thinker knows that there is always room for
improvement.
Besides, several methods have been identified and proven to produce creative
results. First, is the evolution method. This is the method of incremental improvement.
New ideas stem from other ideas, new solutions from previous ones, the new one
slightly improved over the old ones. Many of the sophisticated things we enjoy today
developed through a long period of constant increment. Making something new a little
bit here, a little bit there, gradually makes it something a lot better; even entirely
different from the original.
For students, there are more computer based learning tools coming up. Firstly,
they just came up with simple exercises, then later added with formulas, pictures, and
then upgraded with using learning cards of various subjects. Every problem that has
been solved can be solved in better ways. Creative thinkers do not subscribe to the idea
that once a problem has been solved, it can be forgotten, or to the notion that “if it didn’t
broke, don’t fix it.” A creative thinker’s philosophy is that “there is no such thing as an
insignificant improvement.”
Furthermore, synthesis is also an important one because with this method two or
more idea is combined into a third, new idea. For example combining the ideas of a
book and music; this creates a simple, comfortable and easy learning for students. This
way adequate them with education and also music, as we all know music is also a
creative thought, an inspiration for studies, and also leads to their better and effective
concentration.
Next is the, revolution way. Sometimes the best new idea is a completely
different one, and market change from the previous one. While an evolutionary
improvement philosophy might cause a professor to ask,” how can I make my lectures
better and better?” A revolutionary idea might be, “why not stop lecturing and have
students teach each other, working as teams or presenting reports?
Moreover, there is also another method known as reapplications. It is looking at
something old in a new way; going beyond labels, unfix ate, remove prejudices,
expectations, and assumptions and discover how be reapplied. A creative thinker will
use and modify an old piece of cloth and materials to make a new collage, project work
or design sheet to be presented in the class. This will stimulate the creative thinking of
students in promoting learning using such ways besides, textbooks. The key is to see
beyond the previous or stated applications for some idea, solution or thing and to see
what other application is possible.
Furthermore, there is also changing direction. Many creative breakthroughs
occur when attention is shifted from an angle of problem to another; this is sometimes
called creative insight.
Elements of creative thinking skills.
The first element is being curious. Curiosity builds upon that natural
impulse the desire to learn more. Everyone has got this; the challenge is to use it
effectively and to develop it for our benefits. Our mind is on a continuous quest for
discovering new things and to explore new ideas. This is very much possible, especially
students’ community, which has fresh mind; always keep on discovering newer stuffs
and keep on asking questions after questions. During my school time, I frequently do
this thing. Whenever, my teachers had finished teach us, I am the first one to raise my
hand and ask questions. I will ask many questions regarding that specific topic. When I
do that, I get clear and proper answers or explanations from him. Most of the time, I will
even get a good idea on the question that I am about to ask to him. This awareness
ensures me to answer well without getting confused in my exams.
Therefore, it was really beneficial for me when I asked lots of questions to my
sir. Besides, helping me to solve my problem, being curious also aid me in gaining more
confident to face my sir and dare to ask questions. Usually, when I do ask questions it
means that I have given my mind a chance to think on how to arise questions in a
creative manner. Consequently, creative questions will attract my sir’s attention and he
would be very glad to answer it because, he will find it as provocative and interesting.
Great minds ask great questions. The questions we ask, the ideas we ponder
about, greatly influence the quality of our education. By developing a curious mind, we
can broaden our horizons on thinking creatively. ‘The important thing is not to stop
questioning’, said Einstein. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. We cannot help but
be in awe when we contemplate the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous
structure of reality. It is enough if we try merely to comprehend a little of this mystery
every day. Never lose a sacred curiosity.
To add, the next element is we need to connect the unconnected. Many creative
thinking experts rate this as the essential element, almost as the definition of creative
thinking. In this, we need to read widely. Normally, when I do my homework, I do not
depend only on the reference books, but I do surf the web to see where I end up. As I
am online, somehow at a point I will knew the connection between my search and what
I have got. I will go through it, and at the end I am able to connect both and have a vivid
thought on my search. Moreover, I also try something different especially when doing
my additional mathematics questions. There will be a specific method on solving it. But
in the event of doing so, I will try to find other easy way.
The impressive moment was, when I happened to discover the new method and
showed it to my teacher and explained it to her and my friends. Then she told me that, it
was also an alternate method to solve the question and she was about to show that to
us later. Hence, that time I understood that, the method I found actually connected with
the old one. Furthermore, I had also solved problems by stepping sideways; means
seeing the problem from another angle. By looking at a given situation, I will think if I
were a fish or a small kid, how I would handle this thing. From there, I will get new ideas
and solutions because by imaging myself as a fish and kid; both are two different
species of living, thus, I can think creatively and get mind blowing ideas.
The third part is ideas should be cultivated. New ideas are like seedlings; they
need to be cared for, protected from enemies and kept out of the harsh light of day for a
while. I have learned to champion my ideas until they are robust enough to sink or swim
in the real world. When I have thought of an idea which is really a tremendous one, then
I will protect it from critics, from people wielding it by budgets, from friends who will pour
cold water on it and even from my own dark side. Sometimes, I will have my own
daydream about my idea; imagine how I can develop it, and how it might play out. For
this to happen, I will refer to the experienced experts and consult with my teacher to
obtain guidelines. I also take plenty time to think of it, because creative thinking does
not always run to schedule and idea may need to develop in its own time, to simmer on
the back burner for a while before they are cooked enough to be served to my friends
and others.
Eventually, the last element in creative thinking is, we always need to challenge
ourselves when we are doing something. I will take risks and accept the failure if there
is any. One out of about ten or twenty ideas will succeed for me if I am lucky enough
and it does not get higher without taking risks. The most significant thing is dare to
challenge in order to get success even it is just a drop from the ocean. But if it wins then
the small drop will be a grand achievement. Foremost, I trust myself so that I know how
to follow a hunch I had felt in my heart and mind. When I am doing my assignments I
am dare to pen down my thoughts because if my opinion is incorrect my teacher will
correct me and I will become close to my edge. There is no way around this one,
because thinking creatively means I need to step outside my comfort zone and have a
bit of courage.
Practicing creative thinking skills in classroom.
In class, teachers should ask as many questions as can to students. This would
not make the class bored but will influence their mind to think and think ways to improve
a certain matter of subject, and have chances to come up with new ideas. They will also
able to learn from question which can lead to another question and enlarge their
parameters of vision about that specific topic.
Certainly, teachers also can conduct the arts or drawing class session in an open
area such as a lake garden. This place has the most of nature’s gifts such as tree,
grass, lake, flowers and creepers. This method will promote creative thinking in students
to figure out their drawing well because they are exposed to real looks of the greenish
nature. Teachers also should encourage them to use recycled items to invent a tower or
a new idea to be presented upon an exhibition. At this point, students will be able to
practice their creative thinking to make a modification on the used materials and
overcome barriers or blocks to have new ideas.
Class will be boring and less interesting when students just listen to teacher’s
voice as well as going through with past years’ questions. So for a change, students
should come up with the idea of what they are going to learn on that day. They can
prepare PowerPoint slides as the learning materials other than just using text books or
simple hand outs. To add they will go online, search for points and then make their own
sentence creatively. Thus, they can have combination of two or more ideas to be
presented in graphical organizers. By doing this, they will also learn to handle the latest
technologies and software programs.
Meanwhile, a solution to a question can be solved in the note making method.
Each one in the class should contribute an idea, pass it over and the others will have
the opportunity to collect their friends’ notes, have a look, jot them down and think of the
ideas. So, at last each of them will have their friend’s mind thoughts. For primary school
students, songs or music can be used to carry out teaching process. For instance, the
magic box which has filled with questions will be passed on as the music is played on.
The music will be stopped at intervals of twenty seconds and each of them will have the
chance to pick a question and answer it. Hence, it will make them to stay alert and they
will be wondering when their turn would come. This is a part of learning and it is
interesting as well as exciting.
An effective mechanism of creative thinking is mind maps. It is the ‘whole- brain
thinking and reaches out in all directions and catches thoughts from any angle’ by
( Michael Michalko, cracking creativity). Teachers can use this to teach. Mind map is the
ultimate organizational study tool in class. It is very effective, because by doing mind
map, it is easy to put information into students’ brain which maps out their thoughts. It is
very simple too. Mind map gives an overview of a huge subject to them, besides enable
them to gather together large amounts of data in one place. Moreover, it boosts problem
solving by allowing them to see new creative pathways. Foremost, it is enjoyable to be
seen, read, muse over and remember. Mind map will help them a lot in their studies to
learn faster and more efficiently, see the whole picture of the problem and also to
remember better. These are because, mind maps use colours, curved lines, symbol,
words and images according to a set of simple, basic , natural and brain- friendly rules.
Colour is the leading feature in a mind map. They can start it by putting in their
favorite colours and make it to appear more interesting; as it also triggers their creative
thinking processes. To add more, mind map includes each aspect of the left and right
brains and is therefore a superb whole- brained creative thinking tool. This is because
when they do mind maps, they do use words, logics, numbers, lists, images,
dimensions, and colours too; mean it has occupied fully their brain and assists to come
up with new ideas and problem solving methods.
When they are doing those mind maps they should take into account some
information to ensure the effectiveness of their mind map. They can have a break of
thirty minutes to think of it. Next, return to the mind map and add any new thoughts.
After that, they should look closely again to find any new connection between the
branches. If there is any, then connect those using codes, colours and arrows; giving
again a break, return to mark and lastly decide on their solution! Teachers must assist
students by giving new ideas and ways to show them in the mind maps.
Likewise, storybooks and newspapers can be used as alternative in learning
where teachers give situations and answers. But here, students need to give their own
answers. Those ideas cannot be the same as given by the teachers. So, this method
will promote creative thinking in students to provide answers which are new, different
and unique. To solve the condition, given by the teachers students will seek for
solutions in the storybooks and newspapers which they have brought from home!
In this case, another creative idea is being evolved; that is storybooks do not only
entertain them and give interesting story lines. In contrast, they also function as
information provider. The sentences contain much grammatical knowledge, which help
students to improve their languages besides aid in their essays. While, in newspapers,
the headlines, latest issues and updates assist them to widen their vocabulary with new
words and extraordinary phrases. As they pass by this beneficial and valuable info, they
can use them in their assignments too.
Conclusion.
In brief, students should always practice a positive attitude towards critical and
creative thinking skills. They should not be influenced by negative attitudes that could
block their thinking creatively and critically. They must be happy, welcome, even seek
out problems and meet them as challenges. Seeking problems aggressively, will build
confidence, increase joy, and give a better sense of control over their life.
They must believe that, it can be done and made better before the battle starts
itself. But if they give up of course it is self fulfilling. However, if we look at the history of
solutions; man will never fly, diseases will never be cured, rockets will never leave the
atmosphere, and even scientist will not be formed if they had such attitude. Interest and
commitment to the problem are the keys. Motivation; a willingness to expand the effort
is more significant.
Every student has superb critical and creative thinking. So, it is crucial to
understand these thinking skills and appreciate their relationship given in educational
models which are designed to improve higher order thinking and to express themselves
as great achievers!
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