A World of Critical Thinkers

The world is becoming more competitive thus, there is an need to make decisions that would matter. In formulating intelligent decisions, the individual should not only think individually but holistically. It is through collective thinking that he is able to see the real impact of a certain act. In this day and age, there are is a need to look beyond the facts and analyze things deeper. As much as possible, all details should be taken into consideretion. The paper contains a discussion of critical thinking and how it could help in the formulating intelligent decisions.It enumerates the characterisitics of a critical thinker and the instances whhere this form of thinking can be applied. A World of Critical Thinkers Many educators are concerned with the way their students process information. There are those who exhibit confusion and doubt their understanding of the lessons while there are those who feel confident about it and can answer any question related to the topic. This variance that educators get from their students places them in doubt whether or not they are able to reach out to the needs of their students.In most instances, the teacher is the provider of the information while the student is the receiver; seldom does it happen that process is reversed. This is the reason why many students exhibit dependence to their teachers. However, this should not be the case as it is like spoon feeding them. Learning is not merely about absorbing the information that are provided, it is about understanding, analyzing and thinking critically the subject matter presented. The level of understanding of the students do not actually depend on their mental capacity but on their capability to think critically.Critical thinking is a form of reflective, skillful and responsible thinking. It is going beyond the facts and finding reason for the existence of those facts. It is the ability of an individual to take charge of his own thinking by developing criteria and standards fo r assessment (Elder and Paul,1994). Critical thinkers are not contented with what are merely presented to them, they exert effort to understand and reason out through gathering additional information. They analyze holistically and not individually. Through this collective analysis, one can interconnect the details and see the real impact thereof.Good conclusions are not simply formulated from a simple set of facts; they are based on research and critical analysis. A good critic ignores his biases and tries to understand things as they appear. He uses evidence impartially and skillfully. He is someone who is willing to let go of his hypothesis and formulated conclusions in case the results do not come out right. He is open minded and expects a lot of possibilities. He does not limit himself with what he knows; instead he explores to understand and learn.He also understands the difference between logically valid and invalid inferences and can distinguish the variance betweem reasoning and rationalizing. Most of the designers of critical thinking programs are social scientists. They create these designs mainly to improve thinking in the fields of social studies and the humnanities (Schafersman, 1991). Critical thinking can be applied in lectures, laboratories, making of homeworks, quantitative execises such as solving mathematical and word problems, making of term papers and most importantly answering questions during examinations.These activities encourage the students to understand better and apply inquisitive and reasoning skills (Schafersman, 1991). Critical thinking skills should be developed as early as possible because once this is established, it will be easier for the individual to make intelligent choices. The reason why many people commit mistakes is not because of mere ignorance or frailty of mind. They commit mistakes because they fail to think intelligently and analyze the facts involved before they act or make decisions.Hard decisions in life are m ade after careful thinking and analysis. All aspects of the issue is viewed and all possible effects are expected. A critical thinker is able plan ahead and provide remedy for any anomaly that may happen in the execution of his task or in the realization of the decision that he made. At work, the application of critical thinking is inevitable. Proper decisions must be made in order for the company to function better. Any unintelligent decision may create serious repurcussions.Every move must count and the effects thereof be combatted easily. I was once assigned to make a proposal regarding the expansion of the market of the company that I work for. In making the proposal, I did not simply rely on what I know instead I conducted research and surveys. First I listed the interests of the company and its main goals then I made a list of competitors and analyzed their profile. I studied their strengths and weaknesses as well as the business interetsts that they have.Through this process, I was able to figure out on which aspect can the company can develop an edge over the others. When I have determined the aspect to concetrate on, I researched for possible markets for the new undertaking. I conducted surveys to determine its profitability and the people who will patronize it. Knowing the class of people who are interested in the undertaking will help the company in creating products and giving services that they need and want. A company exists to provide services and products for the consumption of the people.They exist to serve and gain profit thus, in formulating decisions, they make sure that the needs of their clients are addressed. After generating data for the new business and the market thereof, I also made an analysis on how to go about with it. The advantages and disadvantages were laid out as well as the probability of the success of the business. Analyzing the data as well as the results of the surveys was a difficult task since these were not seen as th ey are. There was a holistic analysis of the issues presented to better understand the impact of the project.Taking them piece by piece may not necessarily yield to the results that the company needs. I had to look beyond the facts and think for the future. I also opened my mind to several possibilities that may happen and prepared back up plans in case the initial plan fails. The result generted from all of these facts were collated to form the proposal. It was after completing the job that I realized the importance of critical thinking. There is a need to think out of the box to be able to list down endless possibilities and ways of exploring those possibilities.Through the activity,i realized that critical thinking is a tedious process, however the results generated from it makes the effort worthwhile. Through critical thinking, the world becomes more colorful and exciting. References Elder, L. and Paul, R. â€Å"Critical thinking: why we must transform our teaching. † Jou rnal of Development Education, Fall 1994. Schafersman, S. (1991). An Introduction to Critical Thinking. Free Inquiry. Retrieved 14 October 2008 from, http://www. freeinquiry. com/critical-thinking. html

Down Goes Banking Up Comes Problem-Posing Essay

In the article â€Å"The Banking Concept of Education,† Friere claims that the teacher and student’s relationship is fundamentally narrative in which the students are somewhat being trapped in the system of â€Å"Banking Education†. Freire goes on to say that education is suffering from narrative sickness, which means that information is being repeated constantly to the point where it has no meaning to it or that it is lifeless. â€Å"Students are becoming alienated when learning time is being generated from the teacher,† Friere argues. Students are becoming machine-like-creatures because they are not engaged into the lesson. Friere writes that â€Å"four times four is sixteen†¦The student records, memorizes, and repeats these phrases without perceiving what four times four really means† p.318. Students are too simply just repeating what they are told, but they really do not have an explanation or an understanding as of why the answer is that specific answer. Also the student works on storing the information that they were given, this causes their critical consciousness not to develop at the normal pace. I agree with Freire on this issue. A solution to this issue would be the Jasperian â€Å"split.† Instead of students taking mental notes, they could wright questions in regards to the lesson. For example, if I am writing an essay I would not just being aware of the essay I am writing but also questioning, why I am doing so. Overall I believe that â€Å"The Banking Concept† is rendering our development as students as well as teachers. It has caused many students to not think outside of the box, but to make them become a receptacle to be filled with narrative information passed on from our teachers, Friere explains. Teachers also have grown to become the superior opposite to the absolute ignorance of their students, but just like how the teacher can teach a student, the student can educate the teacher as well. This concept has made much of our generation into the norm. We need to think outside the box and to transform our generation into what we want to become of it.

Who were the two people who discovered Calculus Essay

Who were the two people who discovered Calculus - Essay Example The first person to come up with the calculus was Newton, owing to new historical findings (Sastry 3), moreover, he did this by developing standard differential algorithms, which were later expounded further by Leibniz after two decades (Sastry 3). This proves that Newton was the original inventor of the calculus although there have been accusations of plagiarism from Newton’s supporters towards Leibniz. However, it has been exposed that Leibniz arrived at calculus on his own independent efforts despite having his discoveries known later to the world after Newton’s. This makes Leibniz the second inventor of calculus, meaning that all of the philosophers made their own discoveries independently. Therefore, with this in mind, each scholar made his own discovery in his own respective place. Isaac Newton made his discoveries in London, but with constant correspondence with Leibniz due to clarifications that Leibniz required to explain his theories later (Sastry 3). Despite the accusation of plagiarism and propaganda against him, Leibniz made his discoveries in Germany. In conclusion, Leibniz and Newton made the discovery of the calculus, despite their independent studies and differences. For this reason, they are co-inventors of the calculus with controversial views and chronological airing of their findings. In conclusion, Leibniz and Newton made the discovery of the calculus, despite their independent studies and differences. For this reason, they are co-inventors of the calculus with controversial views and chronological airing of their

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 31

Assignment - Essay Example The River Woods facility is projected to be more automated with recent technology in production of appliances (Cameron). This will also ensure that the facility produces more at the least cost while using the least human resource power. The organizational structure of River Woods facility is also under review and most of the top official agree that the facility should be managed by a general manager. The new manager under the proposal is likely to face the following challenges. One of the challenges is the new manager may become overworked. The manager is also likely to face resistance from the subordinates due to the new kind of leadership. The manager may also face communication problems, which are likely to be brought out by the organizational structure and the changes in technology at River Woods. The manger is also likely to become ‘bossy’ since he/she will be ata position of making some of the important decisions in the company. Operating River Wood facility will require a manager who is willing and more able to meet the objectives of the company. In order to manage effectively one is required to have the ability to control others and influence their decision. Owning the position of a manger automatically gives one the legitimate power to assign and give duties in addition to commanding what takes place in the organization. The other source of power the manager at River Woods is likely to exercise is the expert power based on his knowledge and his level of education. The skills he possesses will be able to influence his/her subordinates regarding the control of operations at the facility. The ability of the new manager to socialize and cultivate a good relationship with the subordinates will give him/her referent power. The interpersonal skills and good relationship in an organization always provides a company with the ability to attain its objectives. The new manager will obtain power by being

The influence of smoking cessation after diagnosis of early stage lung Dissertation

The influence of smoking cessation after diagnosis of early stage lung cancer on prognosis - Dissertation Example The researcher states that a practice of burning a substance like tobacco or cannabis and inhaling or tasting it is called Smoking. Cigarettes are the most common method of smoking. Pipes, Bidis, Cigars, Hookahs etc are other methods. A research shows that â€Å"half of all long term smokers will die† (It’s Never Too Late to Quit Smoking, Says Study 2012) due to disease related to smoking it suggests that â€Å"even non smokers† are prone to these diseases. Worldwide a â€Å"large number of people† are killed because of these diseases. Study shows that â€Å"one out of two people† die due to their habit of smoking and that too many at their mid age. There is lot of harmful effects on the body like – †¢ Temporary increase of â€Å"blood pressure† and heart beat further straining the heart and blood vessels. †¢ The chances of â€Å"heart attacks, strokes, paralysis and weakness† (Pai 2011). There are â€Å"numerous cancers† associated with smoking. †¢ Smoking at young age â€Å"reduces IQ† of a person. The â€Å"blood circulation† is not proper which affects the body and skin. This also leads to weakness. †¢ It â€Å"damages the retina† thereby affecting the eyesight. †¢ Smoking â€Å"causes the bones to become weak† (Nutrition and Weak Bones 2010) leading to fractures. †¢ â€Å"Fertility† related problems are seen in both men and women. †¢ Smokers are prone to â€Å"kidney, stomach† related diseases. †¢ It also leads to â€Å"lung cancer† â€Å"Pregnancy† related issues are found in women who smoke. The new born child is also adversely affected. People who smoke have a â€Å"shorter life span.† Smoking can cause different types of cancer. These include Lung cancer, Mouth cancer, Throat, â€Å"Stomach† Esophagus, cancer of Kidney, cancer of Bladder, cancer in Pancreas etc. Lung cancer is one amongst the most â€Å"deadliest form of cancer.† (Epidemiology of Lung Cancer n.d.). Every year aboutâ€Å"7.5 million people die† (U.N. Summit as World Cancer Toll Increases 2012) of lung cancer. The â€Å"survival† (Lung Cancer Survival Rate 2011) of the lung cancer patients depends on it’s diagnose stage and type. Now the question arises what exactly is Lung cancer. Due to series of changes in the cells in the lungs they tend to grow abnormally and â€Å"out of control† (Eldridge 2012). This type of behavior in the lungs is known as Lung cancer. This can occur any were throughout the lungs. Lung cancer is mainly classified in to two types, 1. â€Å"Small Cell Lung Cancer† (Lung C ancer n.d.). 2. â€Å"Non Small Cell Lung Cancer† (Lung Cancer n.d.). Small Cell Lung Cancer: Study reveals that around â€Å"10% to 15 %† (Lung Cancer (Small Cell 2012) of Lung cancer patients suffer from Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). It â€Å"spread quickly† (Patient Information: Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (Beyond the Basics) 2012). It is more found in people who smoke than those who do not smoke. SCLC is considered as the â€Å"most aggressive form of Lung cancer† (Lung Cancer (Small Cell 2012). It tends to develop in the â€Å"bronchi† (Lung Cancer 2012) which is present in the centre part of the chest and later spreads to the other parts of the body. Small Cell Lung Cancer is also known as â€Å"oat cell cancer, oat cell carcinoma and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma† (Lung Cancer (Small Cell 2012). SCLC has further two other forms namely- â€Å"Small cell car cinoma (oat cell cancer)† (Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatmen t (PDQ ®) 2012): This is one of the most malignant kinds of cancer. It grows within the lungs. â€Å"Combined small cell carcinoma† (Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ ®) 2012). – It is a lung cancer which has different stages. It emerges in the form of a tumor in the lung tissue. Non Small Cell Lung

Autism Spectrum Disorder Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Autism Spectrum Disorder - Dissertation Example The project will be using children and adults with varying degrees of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). In working with children and/or adolescents the researcher must also want to work with the parents. The researcher will now devise various questions and activities that the participants may be able to do or not. This will also show the parents during their observation periods what their children can do and get a better understanding of the disorder their child has been diagnosed. This project will also need to be reliable and valid for the future, that teachers and other professionals will be able to use this project in their care of the child or children. The researcher will be conducting interviews with many different activities that will show what the participants know and teach them new skills that will help them in their life. The research will also have various questionnaires for the parents and caregivers to fill out. These questionnaires will provide sections for personal inf ormation, degree of autism, activities that they can do and skills that they cannot do, medications that they may have been on and the medications they are taking now, we will also have to know what treatments and interventions that have been used before and those that seem to work and treatments that did not work. The researcher must decide on how all these aspects of the research will progress through the study. The researcher must want to see other records that pertain to the participants of the study. The researcher must let the parents know what is going to occur throughout the study and must be given informed consent and told about confidentiality. (Corey, 2011) The researcher must need to know how the participant(s) were affected by previous treatments and medications. This study will be quantitative and qualitative for the project will be using various children and adolescents. The quantitative aspect would involve how the participants will interact (strengthen or weaken) th e effects at the different levels between the variables and the initial effects that do not change. It is also qualitative for there will be reverses to the effect depending on what occurs in the study. (Nolan.2011) Variables of this study will be the children, the parents and caregivers, and the past and future interventions that will be used and created. The researcher must also look at age, culture, grade level if school age and if working what kind of occupation they have if they are older and the independent variable being the activities that the dependent variables, the participants, will accomplish during the research process. (Cozby, 2004) Timeline for Doing Research Doing a Literature Review In doing research on Autism Spectrum Disorder the researcher must proceed with a ‘radical looking’. This is when researchers do a general literature review to see what has been done in the past and what possibly could be done in the future. When doing research, researchers must keep their ears and eyes open for new developments and suggestions that just might help to progress the research. This is when the researcher can attend conferences, listen to interviews from others about the disorder and gather information that could be used to progress the study. This can also be a time to listen for new suggestions about the disorder. This is known as ‘radical listening’

Roger Williams Quotation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Roger Williams Quotation - Essay Example This letter, which was written in 1655, explains fully his views of religious freedom. He also elaborates on how religious corruption in government, creates difficulties in religion. According to him, all people should have equal rights to be associated with the religion they choose, and their rights should be protected by the law. The government should, therefore, have no control over whether one is a church follower or not. God did not love some people more than others and, people should live together as a community according to Williams’ belief. The ship used in this quote symbolizes the society that existed at that time. This, therefore, showed that all different religions should be able to live without separation or disagreement in a society. It is assumed by different theologians and scholars that William used the ship as a symbol because he used a ship to travel to the Western Hemisphere, where he was able to attain the freedom of religion. William was very strong in what he had believed and therefore, he was able to launch the First Baptist church in Providence. He also initiated a colony of religious minorities; which was, by then, known as Providence Plantation. William’s idea of religious freedom has a great impact on the society today. Every person should have freedom of choice on which religion he or she should follow. The intervention of the state and the government, as William states, brings more problem than what people should experience in religion. This means that belief of an individual should not be dependent on rules of the state and should, therefore, be protected by the law. I, to a great extent, support his idea of the ship, which symbolizes living together as a community of different religions despite the fact that they have different beliefs. This is Christian value that should be emulated by every person.