Improve Your Critical Thinking With This Five Step Process
Critical thinking is a valuable skill that anyone can improve through the right process. Here are five tips to help you solve problems more effectively and make better decisions.
In this TED-Ed YouTube video, chemistry teacher Samantha Agus explains a simple system for solving any problem or tough decision in your life. Here are the main takeaways:
- Formulate your question: know exactly what you are looking for. For example, if you are going on a diet, find out if you are trying to lose weight, gain energy, or simply improve your nutrition. Break things down to their basic level.
- Gather Information: Now that you know what is relevant to your problem or solution, research it. See an expert, read this thread, or talk to people who have experience with the same subject.
- Apply information and ask critical questions: Which concepts work? What are the assumptions? Is your interpretation of the information logical?
- Consider the consequences: Look beyond the short term and think about how your decision will affect the situation in the long term. What will benefit you now may not benefit you in the future. What’s at stake? What could go wrong?
- Explore other points of view: By understanding other points of view, you will learn more about the subject. You are also given the opportunity to reflect on the information you have and your feelings. For example, finding out why people are against your chosen diet can influence your decision.
With this approach, you will always approach solutions with the right amount of thought and logic.
5 Tips for Developing Critical Thinking | Youtube