An Introduction

Can you tell what these symbols are telling us even

though they are in a different language?

Symbols are useful not only on signs. Symbols are useful not only on signs. When we think, we use symbolsWhen we think, we use symbols

Symbols are objects or acts that stand Symbols are objects or acts that stand for something.for something.

What do I mean by “an act”?What do I mean by “an act”?

SymbolsSymbols

ConceptsConcepts• When we think, we mentally group When we think, we mentally group

things together into conceptsthings together into concepts– Kind of like categoriesKind of like categories

• Apple, oranges, bananas = fruitApple, oranges, bananas = fruit– ““Fruit” is a conceptFruit” is a concept

• Horse, elephant, rabbit = animal or Horse, elephant, rabbit = animal or mammalmammal– ““Animals” is a conceptAnimals” is a concept

What is different about these What is different about these two questions?two questions?

• Who was the 1Who was the 1stst President of the President of the United States?United States?

• How do you feel about the fact that How do you feel about the fact that women are paid less than men in women are paid less than men in most workplaces?most workplaces?

Convergent ThinkingConvergent ThinkingThe 1The 1stst question elicits (brings out) question elicits (brings out)

convergent thinking in usconvergent thinking in us– Limited to available factsLimited to available facts– Usually, only one correct answerUsually, only one correct answer

Divergent ThinkingDivergent Thinking• The 2The 2ndnd question elicits divergent question elicits divergent

thinkingthinking– Allows the mind to associate more freely Allows the mind to associate more freely

various elements of the various elements of the problem/question at handproblem/question at hand

– The base of creativityThe base of creativity

3 Types of Thinking3 Types of Thinking• Convergent ThinkingConvergent Thinking• Divergent ThinkingDivergent Thinking• MetacognitionMetacognition

– Planning, evaluating, and monitoring Planning, evaluating, and monitoring mental processesmental processes

– i.e. ”thinking about thinking”i.e. ”thinking about thinking”

MetacognitionMetacognition• Metacognitive knowledgeMetacognitive knowledge

– Knowing what it takes for you, and Knowing what it takes for you, and others, to think and perform mental others, to think and perform mental taskstasks

• Metacognitive experiencesMetacognitive experiences– ReflectionReflection

Problem SolvingProblem Solving

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