CATEGORIES OF THINKING

Definition Thinking refers to accessing the mind to

develop ideas, make decisions and store and retrieve memories. It is the process of considering or reasoning about something. We use our thinking ability in order to make sense of experiences, organize information, make connections, ask questions, make plans or make decisions.

There are various types of thinking, some of which include: Creative, Analytical and Critical.

Creative Thinking The process used

to conjure up new ideas that are unique, useful and original. It involves putting things together differently from others. It refers to “thinking outside the box”.

Characteristics Consider rejecting standardized formats

for problem solving. Have an interest in a wide range of

related and divergent fields. Take multiple perspectives on a problem. Use trial-and-error methods in their

experimentation. Have a future orientation. Have self-confidence and trust in their

own judgment

Creative Thinking Activities

Play the following game: one person starts telling a story. The first person stops after a few sentences, and the next player continues the story. There is no limit to the number of players. The story should be recored to give to each participant. This is a very fun activity that trains your students to think creatively.

Play a piece of music, and have the class paint pictures that shows the mood the music creates, or tells the story the music is telling.

Have a variety of classical music, play the music and let the student/students state the mood the music create, what kind of story does this music tell?

Critical Thinking

The process we use to reflect on, evaluate and judge the assumption underlying our own and others ideas and efforts.

It refers to one’s ability to carefully evaluate and/or judge to determine how accurate, authentic and how valuable something is.

It explores external elements that could have an impact on findings.

Characteristics inquisitiveness with regard to a wide range of issues concern to become and remain well-informed self-confidence in one’s own abilities to reason open-mindedness regarding divergent world views flexibility in considering alternatives and opinions understanding of the opinions of other people fair-mindedness in appraising reasoning honesty in facing one’s own biases, prejudices,

stereotypes, or egocentric tendencies willingness to reconsider and revise views where

honest reflection suggests that change is warranted

Critical Thinking Activities FACT OR FIB SLAM DOWNGet 2 sticky notes

2. Write "Fact" on one3. Write "Fib" on the other4. Instructor will read a statement5. Instructor will count, "1-2-3" ...then slam your answer down in the middle of the table6. Compare responses7. Instructor clarifies/verifies

Analytical Thinking The ability to separate a

whole into basic parts in order to study the parts

It involves thinking logically

It involves breaking down a larger system of data into its parts

It equips one with the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively

Characteristics Deliberate, controlled and logical Independent of others and non

aggressive One who pays attention to all alternatives Remains steadfast in purppose Unemotional, business like and persistent Disciplined , lets others take social

initiative.

Analytical Thinking Activities

Allow students to select a book of their choice and write a book report based on the plot from the perspective of the hero and the villain

Carry the class for a walk, and ask them to observe their surroundings. Encourage then to take notes of everything occurring. If they see a lizard, try to determine what it is doing, why is it doing that? If it is eating or hunting? After observing and note taking. The students must them write down their observations and findings.

References Andrews, E. How to develop creative

thinking. Trans4mind- Personal development resources. Retrieved from http://www.trans4mind.com

Characteristics of a strong critical thinker. Insight assessment. Retrieved ffrom http://www.insightassessment.com

Types of thinking. The peak performance center. Retrieved from http://www.peakperformancecenter.com

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