Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

What is problem solving? 

It’s a skill you can use to understand the causes of issues in one’s personal or work life and find solutions or organize a plan of actions to face the challenges.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking means the ability to analyze information, be aware of assumptions and give reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out. 

Generalist and Specifists Critical Thinkers

Generalist has a broad knowledge, defined set of skills and they are academically disciplined.

Specifists have a more thorough understanding about a given area of content.

Bloom’s Taxonomy 

Categorization system used to define the different levels of human intelligence.

What is Expected From a Student 

• Intra Disciplinary - Working within 1 discipline
• Cross- disciplinary- Viewing the discipline from one another
• Multi Disciplinary- People with many disciplines working together 
• Inter Disciplinary- Combination of knowledge from more than 2 people creating something creative and new that is beyond the disciplinary boundaries 
• Trans Disciplinary- Combination beyond discipline approach and address a common problem 

Characteristics of Critical Thinking 

• Active Listening- This means you listen attentively to a speaker, understand what they're saying, respond and reflect on what's being said, and retain the information for later.
• Being Curious - It makes your mind active instead of being passive. Curious people always ask questions and search for answers. Since the mind is like a muscle which becomes stronger through continual exercise, the mental exercise caused by curiosity makes your mind stronger and stronger. So it becomes an armor for the human vulnerability.
• Being Disciplined - Self-discipline is the ability to push yourself forward, stay motivated, and take action, regardless of how you're feeling, physically or emotionally. It helps us train our minds and body and enables us to focus on our goals and to regulate our emotions.
• Being Humble - Humility is the ability to view yourself accurately as an individual with talents as well as flaws while being void of arrogance and low self-esteem.