Post by Ginny Andrews on Feb 7, 2021 21:37:26 GMT
Many factors can get in the way of critical thinking. Great critical thinkers consistently analyze information to come to the best answer for the problem. They observe, ask questions, and draw their own conclusions based on data, personal knowledge and experience and information from outside sources.
One of the major factors that gets in the way of critical thinking is not even acknowledging its importance. We must be open to considering all aspects of a situation prior to making a decision. If one does not even see that we need to be open to all possibilities and viewpoints—they will never truly be able to do so. If we do not remain open and willing to consider other viewpoints then we may not completely open up and expand all possibilities and options.
Our own mental models can get in the way of critical thinking. Mental models are own way of seeing a situation based on our own observation, perception and experiences. We need to be willing to step outside of our own experiences and really be willing to listen and absorb other points of view, situations and opinions in order to truly engage our best decision-making skills.
In a previous role, my job was to provide guidance to young families around parenting skills and healthy eating. I remember a young mom telling me about how her children were such terrible eaters and I started my “speech” on the importance of family mealtimes and making sure we sit down at the table with our families. I will never forget how she looked at me – and she said, “we don’t even have a table.”
Growing up – my family always ate dinner together. We certainly never ate in the living room, in front of television. I had not even considered that a family might not even have a table to sit around. I should have asked more questions. I should have let her tell me about her situation. Having better critical thinking skills back then would have made me a much better counselor as I would have listened more. I could have provided much better guidance to families had I been open to other’s experiences. Offering suggestions and help to my participants based on my own experiences was not the best way to help them.
One of the major factors that gets in the way of critical thinking is not even acknowledging its importance. We must be open to considering all aspects of a situation prior to making a decision. If one does not even see that we need to be open to all possibilities and viewpoints—they will never truly be able to do so. If we do not remain open and willing to consider other viewpoints then we may not completely open up and expand all possibilities and options.
Our own mental models can get in the way of critical thinking. Mental models are own way of seeing a situation based on our own observation, perception and experiences. We need to be willing to step outside of our own experiences and really be willing to listen and absorb other points of view, situations and opinions in order to truly engage our best decision-making skills.
In a previous role, my job was to provide guidance to young families around parenting skills and healthy eating. I remember a young mom telling me about how her children were such terrible eaters and I started my “speech” on the importance of family mealtimes and making sure we sit down at the table with our families. I will never forget how she looked at me – and she said, “we don’t even have a table.”
Growing up – my family always ate dinner together. We certainly never ate in the living room, in front of television. I had not even considered that a family might not even have a table to sit around. I should have asked more questions. I should have let her tell me about her situation. Having better critical thinking skills back then would have made me a much better counselor as I would have listened more. I could have provided much better guidance to families had I been open to other’s experiences. Offering suggestions and help to my participants based on my own experiences was not the best way to help them.
