Please read and answer the question below. First person only and minimum of 5 sentences with examples. Thank you. 

 

In the first reading assignment for Week 1, the authors Neil Brown and Stuart Keely (2012) explain that practicing critical thinkers do not simply act like a sponge and soak in information without analysis.  A critical thinker pans for gold within the information that is coming in from various formats such as television, newspaper, discussion, Internet - every place we glean information from within our daily lives can be cast into one of two categories - we can either soak in the information without analysis or we can critically analyze what the information is containing in order to utilize that information in the best possible way. 

In doing an analysis, we are also seeking a logic and reason that either aligns with our own beliefs and we can also seek an analysis of those items that do not align with our own beliefs.  This is where Brown and Keely (2012) tell us that real critical thinking begins:  Analyzing things that we do not align ourselves with. 

 One way to begin that analysis is to brainstorm everything you already think you know about a topic.  Make a list.  Write it out.  While you're compiling your list, if any questions come to mind, write those down as well.  It is not enough to know what we know, we also need to discover what we do not know on a topic in order to conduct a successful analysis.  As a face-saving device we often deny that what we do not know is not important. 

What do you think?  Your opinion counts, but do not let it over-run your critical thinking strategies. ( Minimum 5 sentences with examples). 

What are some ways that you have found to stay focused on your assignments and research while you are studying? How does staying focused help you to think critically and further about the topics?  (Minimum 5 sentences with examples)