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Post by Lindsay Rachow on Feb 2, 2016 17:26:06 GMT
To me, critical thinking is the ability to strategically process important information, most times needed to reach a goal or find a solution. When I use critical thinking, I find myself beginning with the end in mind - this may not be "the final solution" - but, I ask myself, "what's the point?". I believe critical thinking is important because it helps to fully understand the problem and the necessary steps needed to move towards a resolution. Critical thinking also explores possible barriers that could be an impact.
I struggled for some time thinking of a famous person who I believed is a critical thinker. I think a lot of famous people are critical thinkers - sports players, world leaders, musicians. One person I chose was Albert Bandura, Psychologist. I believe he thought critically when developing the Social Learning Theory. This theory explored human behavior and how humans can build their self-efficacy. He concluded that humans build their self-efficacy through learned behavior (modeling, personal experience, obtaining praise, and emotional regulation). This even explains how the Leadership Academy is using this theory to build upon my self-efficacy to be a better critical thinker and overall leader. Because Albert Bandura was a critical thinker, his theory (thoughts) continues to have a ripple effect on people.
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Post by Diana Rhoads on Feb 3, 2016 15:24:49 GMT
Very interesting choice for a critical thinker. Very interesting comments. I will research Albert Bandura, he sounds very interesting.
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Post by stefanieoshea on Feb 4, 2016 2:23:39 GMT
Good call on how critical thinking "explores barriers that could be an impact"; in our world that is something we have to think about all the time for ourselves and the people we serve! Albert Bandura definitely used critical thinking and we can use his theories as a way to think critically about our own learning.
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Post by Amanda Kogut on Feb 4, 2016 22:20:37 GMT
Lindsay, I loved the idea of asking "what's the point". In my work, I'm often searching for data and information but can be at a loss to explain the strategy behind my requests Beginning with your question helps to establish strategy and context.
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Post by kwashburn on Feb 5, 2016 1:10:57 GMT
Similar to Amanda, what struck me with your definition was asking "what's the point?" I think it helps put some framework around things and can allow critical thinking to be more targeted to potentially come up with solutions more quickly and thoughtfully. Great thoughts Lindsay! I also like that you your example of a famous critical thinker is a psychologist. I spent a lot of time learning about different theories of psychologists in my graduate and undergraduate studies and I'd say all were critical thinkers.
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