Critical Thinking And Reflective Thinking

Critical Thinking And Reflective Thinking Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness. It entails the examination of those structures or elements of thought implicit in all reasoning: purpose, problem, or question-at-issue; assumptions; concepts; empirical grounding; reasoning leading to conclusions; implications and consequences; objections from alternative viewpoints; and frame of reference. Critical thinking   in being responsive to variable subject matter, issues, and purposes   is incorporated in a family of interwoven modes of thinking, among them: scientific thinking, mathematical thinking, historical thinking, anthropological thinking, economic thinking, moral thinking, and philosophical thinking. Critical thinking can be seen as having two components: 1) a set of information and belief generating and processing skills, and 2) the habit, based on intellectual commitment, of using those skills to guide behaviour. It is thus to be contrasted with: 1) the mere acquisition and retention of information alone, because it involves a particular way in which information is sought and treated; 2) the mere possession of a set of skills, because it involves the continual use of them; and 3) the mere use of those skills (as an exercise) without acceptance of their results. Critical thinking varies according to the motivation underlying it. When grounded in selfish motives, it is often manifested in the skilful manipulation of ideas in service of ones own, or ones groups, vested interest. As such it is typically intellectually flawed, however pragmatically successful it might be. When grounded in fair-mindedness and intellectual integrity, it is typically of a higher order intellectually, though subject to the charge of idealism by those habituated to its selfish use. Critical thinking of any kind is never universal in any individual; everyone is subject to episodes of undisciplined or irrational thought. Its quality is therefore typically a matter of degree and dependent on , among other things, the quality and depth of experience in a given domain of thinking or with respect to a particular class of questions. No one is a critical thinker through-and-through, but only to such-and-such a degree, with such-and-such insights and blind spots, subject to such-and-such tendencies towards self-delusion. For this reason, the development of critical thinking skills and dispositions is a life-long endeavour. Another Brief Conceptualization of Critical Thinking Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way.   People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically.  Ã‚   They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked.   They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies.   They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking.   They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason.   They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, bi ases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest.   They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society.  Ã‚   At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so.   They avoid thinking simplistically about complicated issues and strive to appropriately consider the rights and needs of relevant others.   They recognize the complexities in developing as thinkers, and commit themselves to life-long practice toward self-improvement.   They embody the Socratic principle:   The unexamined life is not worth living, because they realize that many unexamined lives together result in an uncritical, unjust, dangerous world. ~ Linda Elder, September, 2007 Why Critical Thinking? The Problem Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated. A Definition Critical thinking is that mode of thinking about any subject, content, or problem in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skilfully taking charge of the structures inherent in thinking and imposing intellectual standards upon them. The Result A well cultivated critical thinker: raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely; gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards; thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems. Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving abilities and a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.   (Taken from Richard Paul and Linda Elder, The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 2008). Available from : www.criticalthinking.org/aboutct/define_critical_thinking.cfm Both Critical Thinking and Reflective Thinking Critical thinking and reflective thinking are often used synonymously.   Critical thinking is used to describe: the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcomethinking that is purposeful, reasoned and goal directed the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions when the thinker is using skills that are thoughtful and effective for the particular context and type of thinking task. Critical thinking is sometimes called directed thinking because it focuses on a desired outcome. Halpern (1996). Reflective thinking, on the other hand, is a part of the critical thinking process referring specifically to the processes of analyzing and making judgments about what has happened. Dewey (1933) suggests that reflective thinking is an active, persistent, and careful consideration of a belief or supposed form of knowledge, of the grounds that support that knowledge, and the further conclusions to which that knowledge leads. Learners are aware of and control their learning by actively participating in reflective thinking assessing what they know, what they need to know, and how they bridge that gap during learning situations. In summary, critical thinking involves a wide range of thinking skills leading toward desirable outcomes and reflective thinking focuses on the process of making judgments about what has happened. However, reflective thinking is most important in prompting learning during complex problem-solving situations because it provides students with an opportunity to step back and think about how they actually solve problems and how a particular set of problem solving strategies is appropriated for achieving their goal. Characteristics of environments and activities that prompt and support reflective thinking: Provide enough wait-time for students to reflect when responding to inquiries. Provide emotionally supportive environments in the classroom encouraging re-evaluation of conclusions. Prompt reviews of the learning situation, what is known, what is not yet known, and what has been learned. Provide authentic tasks involving ill-structured data to encourage reflective thinking during learning activities. Prompt students reflection by asking questions that seek reasons and evidence. Provide some explanations to guide students thought processes during explorations. Provide a less-structured learning environment that prompts students to explore what they think is important. Provide social-learning environments such as those inherent in peer-group works and small group activities to allow students to see other points of view. Provide reflective journal to write down students positions, give reasons to support what they think, show awareness of opposing positions and the weaknesses of their own positions. Reflective Thinking Reflective thinking involves personal consideration of ones own learning. It considers personal achievements and failures and asks what worked, what didnt, and what needs improvement (Given, 2002). It asks the learner to think about her own thinking. Reflection is the key that opens the door to understanding ourselves in relation to core ethical values (Beland, 2003, p.15). Similarly, Lickona states that moral reflection is necessary to develop the cognitive side of character -the important part of our moral selves that enables us to make moral judgments about our own behaviour and that of others (Lickona, 1991, p.229).   This type of reflection enables learners to gain self-knowledge, to demonstrate their understanding of worthwhile moral values, take on the perspective of others, to reflect on why some actions are morally better than others, and to consider alternatives and consequences of actions. Whether reflection is verbal, written, or drawn it is a key strategy for learning and a major tool for character education.   Brain research suggests that brief periods of downtime aid in association, consolidate learning, and imprint memory (Jenson, 1998 as cited in Beland, 2003, p.38).   Reflection can be done through journal writing, keeping a daily diary, essay writing, drawing, and talking in pairs. Reflection can follow a peer discussion. Reflection can be in response to a journal prompt about a character in literature. Reflection on compelling literature and narratives help us bridge the struggle to gain an understanding of the ideas and reasoning of others. Reflection aids the learner in making connections between the moral and social issues in the story, the struggle of the stories characters, and their own struggles to lead a moral life. Reflection can occur in response to academic work and as a follow-up to a cooperative activity when students are asked to reflect upon how well their group did or did not work together. It can be used to review the day, as a follow-up for class meetings, as part of goal setting, and as part of a service learning activity. Students can reflect upon an authentic issue faced by students and the school community such as the impact of cliques, academic honesty or improving sportsmanship.   Reflection can be used in a number of ways that ask students to think about and respond to the learning. Teachers can model reflection by sharing their own learning regarding a moral issue.   This shows students that character development is a life-long journey and that, in this pursuit, it is the effort and the striving toward an ethical life that is important. (Beland, 2003, p.16)

Contingency Theory of Leadership †Essay Essay

Description of work environment| My work environment would consist of helping young children who are not privileged and developing them to become successful. In certain areas of the country there are teens that don’t know what it feels like to work on a computer or how to apply for a job or know how to fill out an application for college. My goal is to take them under my wing and develop each and every one of them. I will have a computer lab set up with about 10 computers, most likely MACs and have a mini class session with them after their normal school hours. The first year will be geared towards juniors and seniors, then I’ll look to expand to freshman on up. In the table below, categorize different leadership approaches that could be used in the work environment you have described. Provide different suggestions for each of the four approaches to leadership. Directive approach| Supportive approach| For the first year it will be myself and another aid. Then after depending upon how fast this project grows there will be more teachers’ aides and highly trained professionals working with each student individually. There will be schedules posted but most of the time we will meet at least 2-3 times a week. Each person will be responsible for their success, I will give each person the tools they need to apply back into high school. Once they meet certain checkpoints in school they will get rewarded. With the teachers and aids that will be present they will get paid by the hour. They have the responsibility of following up on each child’s performance in school and making sure that they document appropriately. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment. Once the business is estabilshed and a student successfully enrolls in college we will provide additional support there and have certain scholarships available as well. Each employee that works with each person will be recognized individually and the one who successfully works with each student and help them enroll in college  will be rewarded for their hard work as well. Every employee will be responsible for telling each student their background and what they need to do to get to their point in life. They also will let the student know that they will be there to support them in each and every way. We want to see each person excel so we will be sure to accept anyone into our program regardless or sex, race, or religion. Participative approach Achievement-oriented approach We will allow each individual to be involved with their success and where they are at in the program. The teachers will be sure to let every student be involved in the decision-making because ultimately it’s their life. If a student is on their way out we will help reel them back in a help them understand why the path to success is not that way. | Depending upon the grade level that the child is in the teacher will have specific goals for that person. The employees will get rewarded for the success that their teen has achieved as well as the teen. All parties will succeed. So now that they have succeeded it is our responsibility as a business to make sure that they don’t fall off track. This program will be available to students until they turn 24 so we will follow them until then. We will make sure that they receive top honors if not close to it and be successful women and men. Leadership recommendation| What is your recommendation for the BEST leadership approach for the work environment you described? Explain your recommendation.To be honest I think that supportive approach will work better for this type of business. We are in it to make sure that everyone has there equal right to employment and education. Not all teens know what to do after high school or what steps they need to take to get there. This program is designed to help each and everyone of them and our teachers will be sure to help in any way. However, I also think that the participative approach will be great as well because each student will have to participate with the teachers to reach a common goal.

Cash Management Paper - 1053 Words

Abstract Implementing cash management strategies can initiate immense ways to maximize cash flow in a firm. Assessing the current firm’s cash position and evaluating proper investment account options can assist a firm properly in accurately assessing and making fairly reliable predictions at maintaining expenses. Important tools are utilized when describing business performance and financial calculations to meet the expected objectives the firm. Cash Management Paper In today’s world, reliable information is imperative for decision making that involves the financing and controlling of assets. Efficient cash management processes are needed to carry out business in our intense economic world of competition and instability. Without the†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"When the economy is strong, companies can lapse into sloppy cash management practices† (Jill Andresky Fraser, 1998). Two types of sweep accounts are available for the decision of the fees that can be charged. Controlled-investment accounts are more profitable of the sweep accounts, maintaining enough funds to cover checks while the other funds are placed into overnight investments. End-of-day sweep accounts are safer for the small-business owners, but offer a late hour cutoff with controlled investments. â€Å"When the firm has excess cash, it will invest in marketable securities, and when it needs cash for current assets, it will usually either sell marketable securities or borrow funds from short-term leaders† (Block, Stanley B., 2005). Short-term Financing â€Å"The financial manager must give careful attention to the growth in sales and the relationship of the production process to sales† (Block, Stanley B., 2005). The financial manager should keep notice of the movements in the account for the proper structure and progress. Short-term financing maintains an approximate 40% of the accounts payable or credit. Marketable securities for short term financing can be obtained through credit from various suppliers. Banks have become more international to be able to accommodate the rise of the international business. These financial institutions have been able to display an enormous enhancement of being able to lend money since the late 1990s. These customers mayShow MoreRelatedCash Management Techniques and Methods of Short-Term Financing1283 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Proper cash management and efficient short-term financing are both important and beneficial to a company in order to maintain a competitive market share, which will increase profit potential and shareholder value through rising stock. Cash management can be used to lower or eliminate idle cash balances that do not earn revenue, using the freed up cash as sources for short-term financing through interest building securities. Short-term financing allows a company to secure needed fundsRead MoreThe Relationship Between Working Capital Management And Profitability Of The Selected Automobile Companies1375 Words   |  6 Pagesfirms operate are not perfectly competitive. Hence this necessitates the firms to have working capital to meet the demand. Working capital management is important part in industries financial management decision. An optimal working capital management is expected to contribute positively to the creation of industry value. To reach optimal working capital management firm manager should control the tradeoff between profitability and liquidity accurately. On the other hand Automobile industry is one ofRead MoreUniversity of Phoenix Corporate Finance Syllabus1329 Words   |  6 PagesCorporate Finance | Copyright  © 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course applies corporate finance concepts to make management decisions. Students learn methods to evaluate financial alternatives and create financial plans. Other topics include cash flows, business valuation, working capital, capital budgets, and long-term financing. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adheringRead MoreCash Management Essay1091 Words   |  5 PagesThe management of cash is essential to the survival of any organization. Managing an organization’s financial operation requires knowledge of the economy and ways to maximize revenue. For any organization to operate on a daily basis adequate cash flow is required. Without cash management the organization will be unable to function because there is no cash readily available in case of inconsistencies in the market. Cash is also needed to keep the cycle of the company’s operations going. Many organizationsRead MoreAcct1101 Exam Final Sample1426 Words   |  6 Pages_____________________ Venue ____________________ Seat Number ________ Student Number |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Family Name _____________________ First Name _____________________ This exam paper must not be removed from the venue School of Business SAMPLE EXAMINATION ACCT1101 Account for Decis Making This paper is for St Lucia Campus students. For Examiner Use Only Question Mark 1 | | 2 | | 3 | | 4 | | | | MCQ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Read MoreFin 419 Edu the Power of Possibility/Fin419Edu.Com1466 Words   |  6 PagesCorporation and Partnership Paper (2 Papers) FIN 419 Week 1 DQ 1 FIN 419 Week 1 DQ 2 FIN 419 Week 1 DQ 3 FIN 419 Week 1 DQ 4 FIN 419 Week 1 Individual Finance lab FIN 419 Week 2 Individual Assignment Financial Outcomes Paper FIN 419 Week 2 DQ 1 FIN 419 Week 2 DQ 2 FIN 419 Week 2 DQ 3 FIN 419 Week 2 DQ 4 FIN 419 Week 2 Individual Finance lab Problems FIN 419 Week 3 Learning Team Assignment Capital Valuation Paper FIN 419 Week 3 Team Assignment Working Capital Strategies Paper and Presentation Read MoreAnalysis: Overview of Accounting Paper1259 Words   |  6 PagesAnalysis: Overview of Accounting Paper Running Head: Accounting paper March 25, 2008 MBA503 / Introduction to Finance and Accounting Accounting Paper Introduction The financial information is a very important matter in a company success. Allow them to see if they have been successful in the past, in the present and help them to predict a future performance of you company. The form, the use and the people involve with the financial and accounting information in a companyRead MoreAutozone1393 Words   |  6 PagesInc is being presented in this article. The paper briefly discusses the history and progress strategy of the company so far. The main idea of the paper is the dilemma faced by a portfolio manager- Mark Johnson- and the wise decision he could make in order to safeguard his client’s portfolio. The paper examines the current position of AutoZone in the market and its growth potential which would help Johnson in making his decision. At the closure of the paper, recommendations are being presented not onlyRead MoreFinancial Management Is Important To Organizations In Order1428 Words   |  6 PagesFinancial management is important to organizations in order to manage the organization s capital expenditures, manage the organization s operating cash/cash flow, lower expenses and plan for the taxes as well benefiting the healthcare sector by evaluations and planning, investment decisions, capital management, contract management, working capital management, and financial risk management (Johnston, 2016). Financial statements, which are summaries that show an organization s current financialRead MoreAccrual Basis Of Accounting Over Cash Basis1534 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction There has been a significant debate focusing on costs and benefits of adopting accrual basis of accounting over cash basis of accounting. This paper illustrates the concepts of accrual basis of accounting, highlights the benefits of accrual basis of accounting posed by its advocates and also briefly discusses the disadvantages of adopting accrual basis accounting. The paper also briefly discusses the recent accounting scandal of Tesco Plc. which showed that profits of the company were overestimated

Core Theoretical Model- The Person Centred Model (rogers) Free Essay Example, 3000 words

The Person Centered Model Introduction Person Centered Model is a method used to treat patients psychologically. It is used to understand the person’s requirement and expectations. The steps to achieve it are properly designed based on the expectation. Personal centered counseling is an efficient way of changing one’s personal behavior and attitude. It enables a person to get a positive approach towards life. In this model, the psychologist treats the problem of a person as his own problem and then arrives at solutions. (Rennie 1996). Growth of person may not be same as others. Each one may require their own time to realize the potential and to work on it. General human tendency is to accept others opinion and follow it. Instead one should have positive outlook. Personal centered approach helps a person to reach his goal by enabling him to develop personal skills. Historical Development Before many years, psychiatrists used various treatments to help a person who thought of changing his personality or behavior. All these systems did not suit the people who were looking out for a method that could help them in self realization. We will write a custom essay sample on Core Theoretical Model- The Person Centred Model (rogers) or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Many research scholars and authors tried to find a solution that would enable people to improve in their life. In 1959, Roger, introduced Person centred Model, which helped the people who thought of changing their personality. This approach was simple and mainly aimed at helping the people with their problems. (Roger 1961). A person may be affected psychologically due to some incidents or problems in his life. To overcome this situation, these personal centered models are used. Each person will have a different problem and this method is used. By using this approach one can understand the problem of the person, his behavior. Then his problems with others must be known and should be analyzed. The main aim of this approach is to leave a lifelong effect. The character of an individual, his likes and dislikes can also be known. Some people may have disability and due to that they may have some sort of complexity. Person centered counseling helps them in getting relieved of this complexity and to lead a peaceful life. This model finds out the level of disability and helps them to be in a place where they feel comfortable. (Thorne 2003). People with disability are mostly labeled and this spoils their personal identity in the society. Hence extra care should be taken when dealing with these people. Implementing Person Centered Model The skill and abilities of a person are clearly understood in this method.