This is a response to Achsahs-Springs’ post https://create.twu.ca/achsahs-springs/2018/05/18/rank-talk-write/
I would like to respond to the questions mentioned by Achsahs-Springs. Actually, I am in the same situation with Achsahs that my practice in professional work has been unchallenged these years. Since I have been working for nearly ten years, and the routine tasks remain basically the same. I would like to interpret this phenomenon as I have been institutionalized and my creative thoughts and critical-thinking habit are taken away unconsciously during these years. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I was raised by mother who had an extremely high standard of my performance. Therefore, keep learning and reading have been inscribed in my body as muscle memory. Although I had lost the critical thinking in professional work, I kept updating other habits and reading the books I was interested in. For example, I played the piano since six years old. My interest towards music made me pursue playing another kind of string instrument Gu Qin, the most ancient musical instrument in human history. I learnt to play Gu Qin 4 years ago and have gained not only knowledge but also gratification during this learning process.Also I could gain the feeling of gratification from reading books related to Psychology. I am sure that it is the gratification I continually gained from the learning process motives me to keep renewing myself and expanding the knowledge reservoir, like this Master journey we are involved in right now. I think critical thinking cannot emerge naturally, the most useful way to regain critical thinking is to keep learning and reading. The more you have learnt, the more you would understand that there is still a far way to go. It is the learning process where critical thinking can take root and sprout.
At last, I would like to recommend the article of Cahalan and Foley (2017 ): Integrative Knowing and Practical Wisdom. I am sure the content on page 17 would increase Achsahs’ confidence that faith and reason can co-exist.
Reference
Cahalan, K.,Foley, E. and G. S. Mikoski eds. (2017). Integrative Knowing and Practical Wisdom in Minding the Gaps: Integrating Work in Theological Education. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock.
This is a response to Wafa Siyam’s post https://create.twu.ca/twuwafasiyam/ldrs-500-unit-3-la-2-rank-talk-write/
I am impressed by the quotation made by Wafa about the traits of critical thinker. Please allow me to restate them here: “a) self-awareness of one’s own and others unsupported able prejudice, b) Willingness to discard or modify cherished assumptions or ideologies on the basis of evidence, c) Non-conformity- the acceptance that an evidence-based or logical belief must be championed despite the fact that annoys others and may threaten relationships or status, d) Judgment and decision-making free of unrecognized self-interest” (Riddell, 2007, p.34). These traits can serve as the standard of cultivating critical thinking for myself. I think the most difficult one is the willingness to discard or modify cherished assumptions or ideologies on the basis of evidence. Our ideologies are formed in our mind unconsciously. It is already hard to realize our genuine ideologies since they invisibly “manipulate” our thoughts and conducts, it would be harder to discard or modify them. However, there are still ways to achieve this goal. Firstly, we have to be self-aware all the time. It would be constructive to find out our true feelings and explore the ideologies. Secondly, argue with yourself. It is the most useful way to gain as many perspectives as possible during the process of problem-solving, and the hardest way to challenge yourself to gain critical thinking. I summarized three steps in the process of arguing with yourself. Step one, you need to find out your preference toward a choice or an idea and other preferences, especially the one you are extremely reluctant to agree with. Step two, you have to actively figure out several logical pieces of evidence that support the other preferences. I think this step is the most important because the analyzation can help you review different thoughts critically and understand the motivations behind other preferences and perspectives. As long as the ability of understanding is gained, it would be much easier for you to being logical, critical, and authentic in any situation. Step three, rethink your original preference and make some adjustments to optimize the results. As far as I am concerned, this three-step method echoes the last paragraph of Wafa’s post that the traits of critical thinking provides the confidence and knowledge and understanding, and probing different points of view and evidence helps in conveying and answering the inquiry.
Reference
Riddell, T. (2007). Critical assumptions: Thinking critically about critical thinking. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(3).DOI:1040187978-1-4666-8411-9.ch002.