09720 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

8/2/2019 09720 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

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Problem Solving and Critical

Thinking


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Module 1: Thinking and Critical

Thinking Thinking : Thinking is the highest mental

activity present in man.

The purpose of thinking, is to arrive at astate where thinking is no more necessaryat all. In other words, thinking starts with aproblem and ends in a solution.

Thus, thinking is a tool for adaptingourselves to the physical and socialenvironment in which we are in.


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Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the process of thinking that

questions assumptions.

Critical thinking has been described as

reasonable reflective thinking focused on

deciding what to believe or do. More recently,

critical thinking has been described as "the

process of purposeful, self-regulatory judgment,

which uses reasoned consideration to evidence,

context, conceptualizations, methods, and

criteria.


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Critical Thinking

Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines

assumptions, discerns hidden values,

evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions,and assesses conclusions.


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Critical thinking calls for the ability to:

Recognize problems, to find workable means formeeting those problems

Understand the importance of prioritization and

order of precedence in problem solving

Gather and marshal pertinent (relevant)information

Recognize unstated assumptions and values

Comprehend and use language with accuracy,clarity, and discernment

Interpret data, to appraise evidence and

evaluate arguments


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Recognize the existence (or non-

existence) of logical relationships betweenpropositions

Draw warranted conclusions andgeneralizations

Put to test the conclusions andgeneralizations at which one arrives

Reconstruct one's patterns of beliefs on

the basis of wider experience Render accurate judgments about specific

things and qualities in everyday life


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Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, theycreate our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of

problems that we grow mentally and spiritually.

- M. Scott Peck


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What is Problem Solving?

Problem solving forms part of

thinking.

Considered the most complex of allintellectual functions, problem solving

has been defined as higherhigher--orderorder

cognitive process that requires thecognitive process that requires themodulation and control of moremodulation and control of more

routine or fundamental skillsroutine or fundamental skills.


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He who asks a question may be a fool for five minutes,but he who never asks a question remains a fool forever.

- Tom Connelly


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Barriers to Effective Problem

Solving

Failure to recognize the problemFailure to recognize the problem

Conceiving the problem too narrowlyConceiving the problem too narrowly

Making a hasty choiceMaking a hasty choice

Failure to consider all consequencesFailure to consider all consequences

Failure to consider the feasibility of theFailure to consider the feasibility of the

solutionsolution


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It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that Istay with problems longer.

- Albert Einstein


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Problem Solving ProcessAccepting the ProblemAccepting the Problem

Step 1: What is the Problem?Step 1: What is the Problem?

Step 2: WhatAre the Alternatives?Step 2: WhatAre the Alternatives?

Step 3: WhatAre the Advantages and/orStep 3: WhatAre the Advantages and/or

Disadvantages of EachA

lternative?Disadvantages of EachA

lternative?Step 4: What Is the Solution?Step 4: What Is the Solution?

Step 5: How Well Is the Solution Working?Step 5: How Well Is the Solution Working?


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Accepting the Problem

To solve a problem, you must first be willing to acceptaccepttheproblem by acknowledging that theproblem existsproblem exists andcommitting yourself to trying to solve it.

StrategiesStrategies to find the motivation and commitment to prepareyou to enter the problem-solving process:

1.1. List the benefitsList the benefits. how will solving the problem benefit you?

2.2. Formalize your acceptanceFormalize your acceptance.- formal commitment to solve problem

3.3. Accept responsibility for your lifeAccept responsibility for your life.- we have the potential to controlthe direction of our lives

4.4. Create a worstCreate a worst--case scenariocase scenario.- what are potential disastrous

consequences of your actions or inactions5.5. Identify whats holding you backIdentify whats holding you back.- what is preventing you from

solving the problem?


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Because I'm thinking in a broader way, I feellike I am able to make better decisions.

- Takafumi Horie


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Edward de BonoEdward de Bono

The six thinking hats is a methodThe six thinking hats is a method

for doing one sort of thinking at a time.for doing one sort of thinking at a time.


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6 Thinking Hats

CreativeCreative

PositivePositive

ObjectiveObjective

FeelingsFeelings

NegativeNegative

ProcessProcess


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White Hat - Objective

Facts, Figures, Data andFacts, Figures, Data and

InformationInformation

Questions: What information do we have here?

What information is missing?

What information would we like to have?

How are we going to get the information?


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Red Hat Feelings

Feelings, Intuition, Emotions and HunchesFeelings, Intuition, Emotions and Hunches

No need to justify the feelings. How do I feel about

this right now?

Examples:

My gut-feeling is that this will not work.

I don't like the way this is being done.

This proposal is terrible.

My intuition tells me that prices will fall soon.


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Black Hat - Negative

Caution, Difficulty, Judgment and

Assessment

Questions:

Is this true?

Will it work? What are the weaknesses?

What is wrong with it?

CriticalThinking

Hat


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Yellow Hat - Positive

Benefits, Feasibility andBenefits, Feasibility and

OptimismOptimism

Questions:

Why is this worth doing?

What are the benefits?

Why can it be done?

Why will it work?


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Green Hat - Creative

Creative Ideas, Alternatives,Creative Ideas, Alternatives,

Suggestions, and ProposalsSuggestions, and Proposals

Questions:

Are there any additional alternatives?

Could we do this in a different way?

Could there be another explanation?

What are some possible solutions

and courses of action?

CreativeThinking

Hat


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Blue Hat - Process

Sums up what is learned. OrganizationSums up what is learned. Organization

of thinking. Thinking about theof thinking. Thinking about the

thinking process (Reflection).thinking process (Reflection).

Examples:

Set the agenda.

Suggest the next steps. Ask for other hats.

Ask for summaries, conclusions,

and decisions.Meta-Cognition Hat


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Sequence Use Short Sequences

Yellow/Black/Red: Quick assessment

(idea)

White/Green: Generate ideas

Black/Green: Improve an existing idea

Blue/Green: Summarize & suggest

alternatives

Blue/Yellow: Any benefits? (e.g. the idea)

Etc

09720 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

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