Ability to Read Critically is an Important Skill in University and in the Business World - Essay Example

Discussion on the Argument that the Ability to Read Critically is an Important Skill in University and in the Business World Introduction Universities and colleges prepare students to effectively function in the employment and business sector. Part of such preparation is training them to think critically using information presented to them in class from books, cases, and real life scenario. Critical thinking can only be done if students are able to practice critical reading. Both are very much present in the business and the employment sectors. The objective of this essay is to present an assessment or evidence that critical reading is important not only in University but also in the business world. Business world is defined as a sector that includes the employment sector. Correlation between Critical Reading and Critical Thinking Critical reading is the practice of finding out and understanding information and ideas in a given literature or text that proceeds towards evaluation of this information in order to analyse which is acceptable and not acceptable1. The latter is the process of critical thinking which is the means of assessing a case or ideas and developing decisions to direct further action2. Independent thinking starts from critical reading which proceeds to a higher level of critical thinking; hence critical reading and critical thinking are interrelated variables. It is only when a person understood the information he is reading that he can proceed to the process of critical thinking. Thus, in actual practice the two actually work together which is relevant in daily activities of human. This premise supports the argument that the ability to read critically is an important aspect not only at University but also in the business world. Lowe Level of Critical Reading and Critical Thinking Abilities among Students Situations of pervasive problem of inability of students to read critically are common among universities and colleges. A professor from University of Melbourne in Australia personally experienced this situation wherein his 50 students in a mid-level Arts class was assigned but failed to critically read a document of a particular author and write about their analysis and counter argument about it3. He considered such situation a “multi-level failure of critical thinking”4 given that students in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne are considered to be “among the most talented and privileged in Australia”5. Such findings correlate with the findings of US psychologist Deanna Kuhn wherein her study showed that majority of her sample population exhibit a low reliability in basic skills6 such as critical thinking to arrive at complicated and important decision in their lives. This issue presents the importance of training students to read critically and develop critical thinking abilities so that they will not have difficulty in getting rewarding employment after their graduation. This task given to universities and colleges further emphasize the importance of critical reading not only in Universities but also in the business world. Importance of Critical Reading and Critical Thinking to Employers The alarmingly low level of critical thinking of average students eventually joining the labour market is further supported by employers who claim that they recognize the importance of autonomous and critical thinking skill of their employees in their business operations. Thus, they consider it an important requirement in selecting applicants for employment in their businesses. However, such skill is rare among employment applicants. Critical thinking and communication skills tied up with leadership skills are two of the top five skills that recruiters seeks in job applicants in a survey conducted in 20027. Portfolio showing evidence of these skills is preferred by employees to give them a glimpse of the ability of job applicants to exist in a work environment. Leadership: Importance of Critical Reading and Critical Thinking Critical reading and critical thinking are important aspects of leadership in all aspects and types of organisations. Sample designs of courses related to leadership development among eight universities or colleges in the United States of America incorporate critical reading and critical thinking in its marking requirement8. Please refer to Annex 1 for summary of the sample designs of these eight universities and colleges. This is exemplified in case analysis, essay writing, and final paper writing and presentation projects of these courses. This only shows that these universities and colleges recognize that critical reading and critical thinking skills must be developed within the instructional environment and practice it in their work environments by leading their respective organisations. One cannot lead if he or she lacks the ability to analyse documents and reports and act upon it by thinking critically. Thus, understanding contents of business documents and ability to evaluate its importance is necessary requirement in leadership. Importance in Knowledge Management Knowledge management is a key aspect of today’s society given the advent of the internet. The rampant use of the internet for education and business makes critical reading and critical thinking an important tool in communication. In fact, authorities from economics and education voted critical thinking as the leading skill necessary in knowledge management9. The task of education, therefore, is to develop critical thinking among its students to be able to effectively communicate with society through the process of critical reading. One of the approaches that can be used in this aspect is the liberal-humanist approach to critical reading wherein it upholds that individuals are rational thinkers that use their understanding of a text or information to make conclusion and judgment based on its perceived meanings10. Thus, facts are segregated from rhetoric. Another approach applicable in this area is the application of a critical discourse analysis, commonly known as CDA11. It focuses on the important link between language and society in analysing text discourses related to socio-political and cultural aspects. It further leads to understanding of society’s structures. Critical reading and critical thinking is an important factor in conducting CDA. Conclusion Critical reading is an important skill that is not limited at the University but is also important in the business world. Students are trained in Universities to effectively exist in the business world which also covers the labour sector. In particular, it is important in developing leadership skills to prepare students in managing and leading organisations that they will join after they graduate from University. Thus, design of courses or university programs included critical reading to meet this objective. Critical thinking is an offshoot of critical reading. That is why if one is trained to read critically, he is at the same time being trained in critical thinking. These two work hand and in hand in practical situations. A leader can never be able to lead if he cannot critically read documents and act on it using critical thinking. No action can be done to lead if no understanding is performed on information given to a leader. University activities are microcosm of what will happen in the business world where interaction leaders is necessary through analysis of information and taking action on it. Thus, what you acquire from University is what you will implement in the business world. Training students in critical reading and critical thinking is therefore necessary contributions of educators in moulding future leaders of countries and the world. Bibliography Bruning, K. “The Role of Critical Thinking in the Online Learning Environment”. May 2005, retrieved 14 December 2008 Cervetti, G., Pardales, M. & Damico, J., “A Tale of Differences: Comparing the Traditions, Perspectives, and Educational Goals of Critical Reading and Critical Literacy”, Reading Online, 2008, retrieved on 20 December 2008 Gelder, Tim. “A Reason!Able Approach to Critical Thinking”. Principal Matters, October 2001. Heberle, V., “Critical Reading: Integrating Principles of Critical Discourse Analysis and Gender Studies”, pp. 115-138 Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. “An Instructor’s Guide to the Leadership Challenge”. Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1995 First Edition Kurland, D. “How the Language Really Works: The Fundamentals of Critical Reading and Effective Writing”, Critical Reading, 2008, retrieved 15 December 2008 Moody, J., Stewart, B & Bolt-Lee, C. “Showcasing the Skilled Business Graduate: Expanding the Tool Kit “, Business Communication Quarterly, vol. 65, no. 1, 2002, pp. 21-33, retrieved 14 December 2008 Annex 1 Sample Course Design in Leadership Development School/University Department/Course/Program Critical Reading Requirement p. 1-3 Santa Clara University Management Department- undergraduate elective special topic: Leadership Students will read two additional books of their choice capable of being analyzed in writing from a leadership perspective. p. 11-12 Indiana University Business School undergraduate honors course: Herman B. Wells Honors Seminar in Leadership Its objective is to develop the ability of students to use multiple frameworks for insightful analysis and effective leadership action. 450 points are from essay on leadership, case write ups and final paper respectively. Write ups include analysis of materials being read p. 21-24 Iowa State University Department of Family and Consumer Science Education & Studies; undergraduate course: Integrative Approaches in Family and Consumer Sciences Part of its objectives is to identify, analyze and develop personal strategies on leadership. Grading criteria includes depth of analysis and thorough knowledge of content. p. 27. Kansas Newman College Total Quality Management Bachelor of Science degree program undergraduate course 35% of grading criteria is paper writing from participation in class discussion and analysis. Include summary of learning from required readings. Understand and evaluate various leadership styles p. 37 Santa Clara University MBA Course (elective) under the Management Department: Social Psychology of Leadership Developing self confidence and the skills necessary to lead. Considerable outside reading, writing and qualitative research assignments are required. p. 41-43 University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School MBA Course: Executive Leadership Write about events that occur outside of class that are relevant to your understanding of leadership such as books, articles, or cases you read. Require two reports from a book and a personal leadership experience. p. 51-52 University of Alberta Graduate course under the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation: Leadership and Organizational Development as Applied to Leisure and Sports Organizations Each student will present an original paper on a leadership topic through library research, field experience and research or experiential information p. 55 Youngstown State University Doctoral Level Course in the College of Education: Leadership in Education Acquaint students on various theories of leadership using many areas of scholarly concerns. Source: J. Kouzes & B. Posner, “An instructor’s guide to the leadership challenge”, Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1995 First Edition. Read More