Critical thinking is the process of autonomous decision making that understands the logic that connects two ideas, clear construction and evaluation of arguments, identification of unique ideas and an individual’s ability to solve problems in a systematic way (Fisher, 42). The core function of creative thinking is the ability to generate ideas and solutions that are unique. The main emphasis of creative thinking is laid in the education system where the learner is impacted with the skills to develop logical arguments and concentrate on the correct answer by elimination of the incorrect one.
The significance of critical thinking is by understanding the learning of it (Evans 147). Firstly, it is observed when a learner comes up with their own ideas from the contest in which they have learned in class. The second is seen when the learner applies the principles learnt, and their relevance become a reality in their lives. Rationality is advocated by critical thinking. Independence is also advocated by critical thinking, and this forms a basis in which knowledge is acquired and an improvement to the existing theories. However, critical thinking should not be mistaken with being a critique of other people.
Critical thinking is an important characteristic in many professionals in the market economy today. In these dynamic times, decision making that provides the optimal solutions to unique complexities that are continuously arising is fundamental and this is where critical thinking comes in.
A large number of students go to school to prepare them to tackle the difficulties in life. Majority of the world population has only acquired primary level education and lacks the capability to develop reasonable arguments (Perkins 77). Education to higher levels will help a student develop the capability and senses that argue reasonably. Taking training in formal critical thinking like making public speeches is more likely to source more benefits in reasoning informally.
Changing the belief held by some teachers who hold the opinion that critical thinking plays a smaller role in learning will make a good contribution towards enhancing it (Brookfield 344). Teachers tend to believe that critical thinking is only limited to the bright students. This should not be the case, as fostering creative thinking will streamline the main objectives of the education system, which is to nurture responsible and independent individuals. Students should be provoked to think by being provided with questions that require original answers. The main aim of this approach is to ensure that teachers are not too rigid. Positive evaluation from teachers improves the students’ confidence towards reasoning. Developing a curriculum that encourages creative thing will not only benefit the learner but also the society as a whole. The socio-economic problems that face the society, for instance disease and lack of employment can be solved through innovation that comes from critical thinking.
Works Cited
Brookfield, Stephen. Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995. Print.
Ennis, Robert. A Taxonomy of Critical Thinking Skills and Dispositions. New York: Freeman, 1987. Print.
Evans, David. Reading and Thinking: Exercises for Developing Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills. New York: Teachers College Press, 1976. Print.
Fisher, Alec. Critical Thinking. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Print.
Perkins, David. "Post primary education has little impact on informal reasoning." Journal of Educational Psychology 77 (1985): 562 - 571. Print.
