Thinking

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Chapter 8

• Thinking

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In this chapter

• Techniques for creating new ideas
• Thinking critically
• Qualities of a critical thinker
• Asking questions
• Using the computer to help you think

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In this chapter

• Evaluating Internet resources
• Problem solving
• Solving math and science problems
• Find a bigger problem

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Quote for discussion

• making mental connections is our most crucial
  learning tool the essence of human intelligence
  is to forge links to go beyond the given to see
  pattern, relationships, context.
• MARILYN FERGUSON

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Critical thinking process

• Sorting out conflicting claims
• Weighing the evidence
• Letting go of personal biases
• Uncovering assumptions
• Arriving at reasonable views

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Finding Aha!
The burst of creative energy
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Thinking critically about information on the
Internet

• Assess overall quality
• Look at the authors credibility
• Differentiate ideas and information
• Look for documentation
• Set an example

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Divide and conquer your goals

• Set and evaluate long term goals
• Break long term goals into mid-term goals
• Manage mid-term goals by creating several
  short-term goals

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Techniques for creative thinking

• Conduct a brainstorm
• Focus and let go
• Cultivate creative serendipity
• Keep idea files
• Collect and play with data

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Techniques for creative thinking

• Create while you sleep
• Refine ideas and follow through
• Trust the process

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Asking questions
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The value of higher education

• Master the liberal arts
• Gain a broad vision
• Learn career skills
• Discover your values
• Discover your interests
• Hang out with the great
• Join the conversation

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College You can pay for it
Company Assistance
Military Funds
Grants
Social Security
Scholarships
Relatives
Loans
Personal Savings
College Work Study
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Qualities of critical thinkers
Open-minded Analytical Systematic
Self-confident Inquisitive Mature
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Becoming a critical thinker

• Be willing to say I dont know
• Define your terms
• Practice tolerance

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Becoming a critical thinker

• Understand before criticizing
• Watch for hot spots
• Consider the source

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Becoming a critical thinker

• Seek out alternative views
• Ask questions
• Look for at least three answers
• Be willing to change your mind

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Becoming a critical thinker

• Lay out your cards
• Examine the problem
• Write about it
• Construct a reasonable view

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Uncovering assumptions
Look for the assumptions or implied assertions
Assumptions
Write out these assertions
See if you can find any exceptions to them
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Six common mistakes in logic

• Jump to conclusions
• Attack the person
• Appeal to an authority
• Point to a false cause
• Think in all-or-nothing terms
• Base arguments on emotion

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Find a bigger problem ...
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or a smaller one
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Solving problems--
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Solving problems-- Define the problem

• Start with what the problem is
• Describe what you want in detail
• Do not limit your solutions

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Solving problems--
Try the four ps
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Solving problems-- Generate possibilities

• Brainstorm possible solutions
• Leave it alone for a day or two
• Write down your thinking

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Solving problems--
Try the four ps
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Solving Problems-- Create a plan

• Write down your plan
• Use Intention Statement guidelines

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Solving problems--
Try the four ps
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Solving problems-- Perform your plan

• Do what you have planned
• Experience success!

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Review

• Creating new ideas
• Thinking critically
• Asking questions
• Evaluating Internet resources
• Problem solving
• Find a bigger problem

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Be a survivor . . .

• Think Critically!