Lesson #1 Critical Thinking Assignment

[Stacey Fraser]

Lesson #1

22/30 on Pre-Assessment

Critical thinking is the processing, evaluating, and analyzing of information without personal biases or judgements – after asking and asking questions. It is also knowing what the exact problem is and realizing the commitment to finding the answer is more important than potential emotions being involved.

Critical thinking is imperative so that we can find answers without the threat of biases or emotions being involved. Critical thinking allows for finding out what the true question is and allowing for a more encompassing and more harmonized answer, further allowing for continued growth and innovation from a business perspective and even in one’s personal life.

I believe Margaret Fuller was a famous, but less realized critical thinker. Ms. Fuller was dedicated to the advancement of women’s rights and many other social issues she felt couldn’t continue on as they were. Her writings and beliefs were quite opposite of the societal norms of her time and yet, most all these struggles continue to exist in our society over 150 years later.  People should have paid more attention!

[Lori Hebert]

Thank you for recognizing Margaret Fuller Stacie. She was so important in her time and so relevant today!

[ladams]

Hi Stacy, I agree that making decisions based on biases or emotions will impact everyone involved negatively. One must examine all aspects with a level, calm head before making your final decision. In my opinion, leading with emotions or biases does not make a good leadership quality—you're causing more harm to your team and company overall by being stuck in your ways and not seeing things from a broader perspective.

La Tonia

[John Uliano]

Hi Stacey - Our responses have a bit of overlap...I promise I didn't look at yours before writing mine! We had similar thoughts on critical thinking and its role in innovation, as well as the importance of questions, questions, questions. Removing personal biases/emotions...I am concerned with being able to do that, especially in our collective field, where I think our emotions/biases/beliefs often fuel our passions and work.

[kwashburn]

Such a great example Stacey! I like your definition as well which I’ve seen reflected in other students' responses. I think the hardest part about critical thinking is not letting your emotions or biases impact your thinking especially in a field of work that we are so passionate about. I do think this is something I struggle with at times but having an awareness of when and how that comes into play for us is important. It’s something I am continually working on.  One of the things I thought about with your Margaret Fuller example is that she likely faced a lot adversity during that time and had to continually “clear the noise", which could not have been easy.

How do you think we can continue to make sure we “clear the noise” in our critical thinking process and not become defeated by it?