Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Essay Example

Table of Contents

Reflective Essay6

Introduction6

Description8

The program was educative, and I had various valuable experiences. One of the significant experiences is when I was practicing my reading skills. I was happy that I had to go through numerous articles and essays so as to improve my reading skills. It was also exciting that I had to interact with other individuals and learn about reading skills. During the sessions, I had to read various books and essays so as to improve my reading skills (Cottrell, 2013). I was also required to read the article to the entire class and explain what I had understood.8

My second most important experience is when we had to work in a group. We were a given a group project, and although at first we could not get along I learned a lot. The experience was significant as we had a chance to exchange ideas. I found out that people had different skills, and this made working as a group interesting (Cottrell, 2013). Each team member was required to contribute to the project. By the end of the project, I realized that every person had different opinions concerning a topic. I also realized that working as a team made the project easier (Kallet, 2014). Personally, I was given an opportunity to act as the group leader. My task was to make sure that all the members worked together, and the complete tasks were undertaken, so I did this by communicating the guidelines to all the members and ensuring that all conflicts are handled appropriately. In case of a conflict, I took the time to meet with the team members and discuss the issues so as to come up with an effective solution. Although it was tiring handling all the members, I enjoyed working with everyone.8

Another significant experience was learning about Harvard referencing and plagiarism. Learning about Havard referencing and plagiarism was interesting as I was able to practice my writing skill. Our professor was keen and explained the importance of avoiding plagiarism (Hanson & Hanson, 2015). During the lesson, I was required to write an article using various sources. I had to paraphrase the information in the sources and cite any idea that was not mine. It was interesting reading all the sources and combining different ideas in one article.9

Additionally, I had a great experience when I was doing a practical in critical evaluation. This was where I had to practice my critical thinking skills. We were asked to pick an article and evaluate it critically. During the lesson we were required to work as a team and ensure that we helped each other in the case, there was a problem. The group was needed to analyze various articles critically. We had to ensure that we had to make sure that we were open-minded so as to understand the contents of the article clearly. We exchanged different ideas which were helpful during the entire session; we did this by everyone giving opinions about the article.9

Learning how to locate information in the library was also an exciting experience. This was where I had to do research in the library. We were asked to do research on plagiarism and referencing. We were required to study using the books in the library, and it turned out to be an exciting task. Locating information in the library seemed to be hard compared to researching on the internet because with the web various search engines make it easy. However, by the end of the project was able to finish my research topic.9

Another significant experience is when I was preparing a presentation. This was where I had to prepare various presentations using PowerPoint presentation. I had to present my topic on referencing and plagiarism before the entire class using the PowerPoint presentation. The presentation was impressive and enjoyed listening to other students’ presentations. Every person was required to do research on a particular topic and present in front of the entire class.10

Evaluation10

Every experience had its strength and weaknesses which made them enjoyable. Reading skills was an important issue especially the topic on the interactive reading theories. It was one of the easiest approaches during the lesson; therefore, it took a short time for me to understand it. The interactive reading approaches required an individual to go through various texts. A person was also required to sample language knowledge, their background experiences and personal schema for a particular topic (Cottrell, 2013). The activity would teach a person to learn in interactive manners. Reading involves various levels such as analysis, interpreting, skills and theory generation.10

The approach also indicates that reading requires substantiation and rejection. Learning the particular theory was interesting, and it involved a lot of group work. However, this did not go well as many individuals had different opinions concerning the topic. Some of the students were not collaborative which made it hard for every person to understand. The group was required to research on one of the topics and uses the reading skills that were included in the theory (Tracey & Morrow, 2012). It is hard to get all the team members to work together which made the experience a little challenging. Personally, I feel that I have improved my reasoning skills and developing a hypothesis. Initially, it would take me a lot of time to understand the topic. However, after I learned about interactive theory and the different skills, I am now comfortable reading any article. The interactive theory states that reading is an active process whereby, for a reader to understand, he or she needs to relate to various aspects connected to him or her, and the article (Butterworth & Thwaites, 2013). In this case, I learned that I am required to use my reasoning skills as my primary skill. Thinking skills would help me in understanding the text. The skills gained the lesson would help me through other modules as I am required to go through various academic works.11

Working in a group was another exciting experience as I learned how to work as a team. The strength of the lesson was working as a team and getting to understand other members. However, there were various weaknesses, especially when trying to form the group. The initial stage was marred with a lot of uncertainties as members decided the rules of the group (Tracey & Morrow, 2012). Every member had his or her opinion, and this made it a bit complicated. The team leader was required to ensure that all members felt important by listening to all the opinions and evaluating the effective ones.11

One of the critical skills that I acquired during the process is brainstorming for ideas. During the group meeting, every person was required to share their different opinions and then combine them so as to complete the project successfully. I learned that for the teamwork to be successful, every person should be a good listener (Gagné, 2014). Another important aspect that I learned the lesson was that the group members should have excellent evaluating skills. The skills would enable the members to evaluate all the opinions and choose the best. The teamwork was somehow the same with other skills that I have learned in the previous modules. However, during the particular model the professor was more thorough and this helped in thorough understanding. The experience was significant as I learned to be a good listener by being patient being patient during group discussion and offering everyone a chance to give their opinion.12

Learning about Harvard referencing and plagiarism was another great experience that I had during the module. One of the strengths of my experience is doing research and learning how to paraphrase. However, I had difficulties in citing using Harvard referencing. I had to seek more help from the other students and by the end of the lesson I was confident with my referencing styles (Hanson & Hanson, 2015). The skills acquired during the experience would assist me during the other modules as I am required to a lot of research. I would also use the Harvard citing style in many projects in the future. The skills gained through the lesson have helped me in avoiding copy-pasting other people’s work (Pears & Shields, 2013). The skills have changed the way I do my research because now am required to be keener so that I can understand what the writer means.12

Learning about critical evaluation practical was another exciting experience. The highlight of the experience was doing research and critically evaluating different texts. One of the skills that I acquired during the lesson is analyzing the texts (Gagné, 2014). I also learned how to make sound judgments when doing research. However, I had difficulties in formulating the different questions that would help me in analyzing the text (Sage, 2012). The critical evaluation skills would help me in my next modules especially in making judgments about academic sources.13

Learning how to locate information was also an exciting experience. My highlight was research on the topic in the library. Currently, most people are relying on the internet for most of their research. Therefore, I felt that it was important that I use the traditional method of research. However, I still had to learn how to locate information on the internet (Greer, Grover & Fowler, 2013). Some of the important factors that I learned during the entire lesson are how to differentiate academic sources and other internet sources. The skills acquired during the experience such as analytical skills, would help me in my future modules. I will be able to do standard research using the skills attained.13

Additionally, I learned excellent communication skills during the presentation experience. It is significant for an individual to have excellent communication skills so as to present effectively. A person should also understand the significance of using visual aid when doing presentations. Most of the times I could avoid the visual aid as I felt that they were not important, however, my perception has changed over time (Unger & Starmer, 2014). I feel that the visual aids are important as they help in attracting the audience attention. However, I had difficulties as I lacked confidence in myself. Personally, I do not like being in front of people, and this can be scary at times. However, I was able to gather my confidence and present the entire presentation.14

Reflection14

I learned a lot of skills during my experiences among them good judgment, communication skills and research skills. The experiences were also significant as I had a chance of improving on my listening skills. Most of my friends complain that I am a bad listener; however, after the module, I am confident to admit that I am a better listener. I am now a keen listener to what others are saying, and I avoid making judgments before they finish talking (Unger & Starmer, 2014). However, I need to improve my teamwork skills. I need to ensure that I work regularly with my colleagues so as to improve my teamwork skills. I require developing my analyzing skills so that I can improve my research (Fairbairn & Winch, 2011). Research requires that an individual has great analyzing skills so as to understand what the reader means. In most cases, people may ignore such important aspects such as analyzing texts, and this leads to shallow understanding.14

Analysis15

My course requires that I have good problem-solving skills. My course is demanding; therefore, I should be ready to solve various problems that might appear during the period. I also need to acquire excellent management skills. I should be able to manage different projects and take accountability in case a problem arises. I will use my skills in various projects and when working in a group. The knowledge acquired will assist me in improving the relationship with other members of the class. I will also use my skills in ensuring that every group project works smoothly. For instance, I will use my listening skills in trying to understand other team members and formulating solutions (Gagné, 2014). I will ensure that all members share their opinions through group discussions.15

Conclusion15

• Reflective Essay
• Introduction

Reflective writing includes deliberations of the larger context, the meaning and the implications of an experience or action. It allows the writer to rewind and think about the important lessons that one has learned in a course. It allows a person also to reflect on the areas that were hard to comprehend throughout the course. Another benefit of reflective writing is that it allows a person in clarifying their thinking. It as well assists a person to retain their understanding for long. Additionally, it helps an individual in critical thinking as they reflect on what they have learned. Reflective writing is important for any student as it allows a person to have a deeper understanding of what he or she has learned throughout a module or a program (Williams, Woolliams & Spiro, 2012). When a student engages in critical writing, he or she can have a long-term understanding of the course. The reflective review will emphasize on different skills that I have learned through the program. They include the reading skills, critical evaluation, working as part of a group, Harvard referencing and plagiarism, presentation as well as locating information in the library.

• Description
• The program was educative, and I had various valuable experiences. One of the significant experiences is when I was practicing my reading skills. I was happy that I had to go through numerous articles and essays so as to improve my reading skills. It was also exciting that I had to interact with other individuals and learn about reading skills. During the sessions, I had to read various books and essays so as to improve my reading skills (Cottrell, 2013). I was also required to read the article to the entire class and explain what I had understood.
• My second most important experience is when we had to work in a group. We were a given a group project, and although at first we could not get along I learned a lot. The experience was significant as we had a chance to exchange ideas. I found out that people had different skills, and this made working as a group interesting (Cottrell, 2013). Each team member was required to contribute to the project. By the end of the project, I realized that every person had different opinions concerning a topic. I also realized that working as a team made the project easier (Kallet, 2014). Personally, I was given an opportunity to act as the group leader. My task was to make sure that all the members worked together, and the complete tasks were undertaken, so I did this by communicating the guidelines to all the members and ensuring that all conflicts are handled appropriately. In case of a conflict, I took the time to meet with the team members and discuss the issues so as to come up with an effective solution. Although it was tiring handling all the members, I enjoyed working with everyone.
• Another significant experience was learning about Harvard referencing and plagiarism. Learning about Havard referencing and plagiarism was interesting as I was able to practice my writing skill. Our professor was keen and explained the importance of avoiding plagiarism (Hanson & Hanson, 2015). During the lesson, I was required to write an article using various sources. I had to paraphrase the information in the sources and cite any idea that was not mine. It was interesting reading all the sources and combining different ideas in one article.
• Additionally, I had a great experience when I was doing a practical in critical evaluation. This was where I had to practice my critical thinking skills. We were asked to pick an article and evaluate it critically. During the lesson we were required to work as a team and ensure that we helped each other in the case, there was a problem. The group was needed to analyze various articles critically. We had to ensure that we had to make sure that we were open-minded so as to understand the contents of the article clearly. We exchanged different ideas which were helpful during the entire session; we did this by everyone giving opinions about the article.
• Learning how to locate information in the library was also an exciting experience. This was where I had to do research in the library. We were asked to do research on plagiarism and referencing. We were required to study using the books in the library, and it turned out to be an exciting task. Locating information in the library seemed to be hard compared to researching on the internet because with the web various search engines make it easy. However, by the end of the project was able to finish my research topic.
• Another significant experience is when I was preparing a presentation. This was where I had to prepare various presentations using PowerPoint presentation. I had to present my topic on referencing and plagiarism before the entire class using the PowerPoint presentation. The presentation was impressive and enjoyed listening to other students’ presentations. Every person was required to do research on a particular topic and present in front of the entire class.
• Evaluation
• Every experience had its strength and weaknesses which made them enjoyable. Reading skills was an important issue especially the topic on the interactive reading theories. It was one of the easiest approaches during the lesson; therefore, it took a short time for me to understand it. The interactive reading approaches required an individual to go through various texts. A person was also required to sample language knowledge, their background experiences and personal schema for a particular topic (Cottrell, 2013). The activity would teach a person to learn in interactive manners. Reading involves various levels such as analysis, interpreting, skills and theory generation.
• The approach also indicates that reading requires substantiation and rejection. Learning the particular theory was interesting, and it involved a lot of group work. However, this did not go well as many individuals had different opinions concerning the topic. Some of the students were not collaborative which made it hard for every person to understand. The group was required to research on one of the topics and uses the reading skills that were included in the theory (Tracey & Morrow, 2012). It is hard to get all the team members to work together which made the experience a little challenging. Personally, I feel that I have improved my reasoning skills and developing a hypothesis. Initially, it would take me a lot of time to understand the topic. However, after I learned about interactive theory and the different skills, I am now comfortable reading any article. The interactive theory states that reading is an active process whereby, for a reader to understand, he or she needs to relate to various aspects connected to him or her, and the article (Butterworth & Thwaites, 2013). In this case, I learned that I am required to use my reasoning skills as my primary skill. Thinking skills would help me in understanding the text. The skills gained the lesson would help me through other modules as I am required to go through various academic works.
• Working in a group was another exciting experience as I learned how to work as a team. The strength of the lesson was working as a team and getting to understand other members. However, there were various weaknesses, especially when trying to form the group. The initial stage was marred with a lot of uncertainties as members decided the rules of the group (Tracey & Morrow, 2012). Every member had his or her opinion, and this made it a bit complicated. The team leader was required to ensure that all members felt important by listening to all the opinions and evaluating the effective ones.
• One of the critical skills that I acquired during the process is brainstorming for ideas. During the group meeting, every person was required to share their different opinions and then combine them so as to complete the project successfully. I learned that for the teamwork to be successful, every person should be a good listener (Gagné, 2014). Another important aspect that I learned the lesson was that the group members should have excellent evaluating skills. The skills would enable the members to evaluate all the opinions and choose the best. The teamwork was somehow the same with other skills that I have learned in the previous modules. However, during the particular model the professor was more thorough and this helped in thorough understanding. The experience was significant as I learned to be a good listener by being patient being patient during group discussion and offering everyone a chance to give their opinion.
• Learning about Harvard referencing and plagiarism was another great experience that I had during the module. One of the strengths of my experience is doing research and learning how to paraphrase. However, I had difficulties in citing using Harvard referencing. I had to seek more help from the other students and by the end of the lesson I was confident with my referencing styles (Hanson & Hanson, 2015). The skills acquired during the experience would assist me during the other modules as I am required to a lot of research. I would also use the Harvard citing style in many projects in the future. The skills gained through the lesson have helped me in avoiding copy-pasting other people’s work (Pears & Shields, 2013). The skills have changed the way I do my research because now am required to be keener so that I can understand what the writer means.
• Learning about critical evaluation practical was another exciting experience. The highlight of the experience was doing research and critically evaluating different texts. One of the skills that I acquired during the lesson is analyzing the texts (Gagné, 2014). I also learned how to make sound judgments when doing research. However, I had difficulties in formulating the different questions that would help me in analyzing the text (Sage, 2012). The critical evaluation skills would help me in my next modules especially in making judgments about academic sources.
• Learning how to locate information was also an exciting experience. My highlight was research on the topic in the library. Currently, most people are relying on the internet for most of their research. Therefore, I felt that it was important that I use the traditional method of research. However, I still had to learn how to locate information on the internet (Greer, Grover & Fowler, 2013). Some of the important factors that I learned during the entire lesson are how to differentiate academic sources and other internet sources. The skills acquired during the experience such as analytical skills, would help me in my future modules. I will be able to do standard research using the skills attained.
• Additionally, I learned excellent communication skills during the presentation experience. It is significant for an individual to have excellent communication skills so as to present effectively. A person should also understand the significance of using visual aid when doing presentations. Most of the times I could avoid the visual aid as I felt that they were not important, however, my perception has changed over time (Unger & Starmer, 2014). I feel that the visual aids are important as they help in attracting the audience attention. However, I had difficulties as I lacked confidence in myself. Personally, I do not like being in front of people, and this can be scary at times. However, I was able to gather my confidence and present the entire presentation.
• Reflection
• I learned a lot of skills during my experiences among them good judgment, communication skills and research skills. The experiences were also significant as I had a chance of improving on my listening skills. Most of my friends complain that I am a bad listener; however, after the module, I am confident to admit that I am a better listener. I am now a keen listener to what others are saying, and I avoid making judgments before they finish talking (Unger & Starmer, 2014). However, I need to improve my teamwork skills. I need to ensure that I work regularly with my colleagues so as to improve my teamwork skills. I require developing my analyzing skills so that I can improve my research (Fairbairn & Winch, 2011). Research requires that an individual has great analyzing skills so as to understand what the reader means. In most cases, people may ignore such important aspects such as analyzing texts, and this leads to shallow understanding.
• Analysis
• My course requires that I have good problem-solving skills. My course is demanding; therefore, I should be ready to solve various problems that might appear during the period. I also need to acquire excellent management skills. I should be able to manage different projects and take accountability in case a problem arises. I will use my skills in various projects and when working in a group. The knowledge acquired will assist me in improving the relationship with other members of the class. I will also use my skills in ensuring that every group project works smoothly. For instance, I will use my listening skills in trying to understand other team members and formulating solutions (Gagné, 2014). I will ensure that all members share their opinions through group discussions.
• Conclusion

The course has been helpful as it has assisted in building my confidence. Before, I would always avoid reading as I assumed that it was a tasking job. However, the course has made me understand that reading can be attractive to any person. I have also improved my presentation skill, and I can confidently present a project in front of the entire class. Additionally, I feel that my communication skills are also enhanced through the course. I can now communicate clearly especially when explaining myself to the public. My research skills have also improved as I can now use various platforms to gather information.