CRITICAL THINKING

Critical Thinking is the art of analysing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it.

In our day to day life we are faced with lot of problems and "critical thinking" helps us to solve those problems. It is difficult to solve the problems without applying critical thinking.  The steps involved in "Critical Thinking" are cyclical and they are:
(a) Identify and define the problem
(b) Generate criteria and consider possible alternatives for a solution
(c) Choose the most likely alternative solution to the problem
(d) Test or apply the selected strategy
(e) Evaluate progress towards the solution of the problem through feedback
(f) Verify and confirm the effectiveness of the alternative in solving the problem


In order to understand the problem it is important to ask some pertinent questions like:
(a) What is causing the problem?
(b) Where is the problem?
(c) What do I need to explore in order to understand the problem

If the problem is not understood well, it would not be possible for finding a solution.  The step by step approach to solving problems through critical thinking needs to be adopted at a very young age.  If the child is taught how to solve problems through critical thinking, the strategy will last a lifetime.

It is the duty of every parent to ensure that the child is taught to "think critically".  Critical Thinking is a systematic approach and can be used for any problem of any magnitude.  It helps us to arrive at the best possible solution and helps generate new ideas.  It is an analytical ability which we can develop over a period of time and will be very useful in any situation for problem solving.  If we enquire into the problem, analyse the various solutions and challenge the alternatives we will get enlightened.

T.P.Anand
Dubai, U.A.E.
17th May 2013.