2nd Reflective Entry around the value and application of critical thinking in practice

<Alina Soare>

Effective decision-making is based on the fundamental ability of critical thinking, particularly in professional settings where snap decisions can have lasting effects. Critical thinking, which is defined as the objective study and assessment of a problem in order to establish a judgement, enables practitioners to go past presumptions, consider the facts, and make well-informed decisions (Facione, 2015). In my experience, developing this ability has been crucial for handling problems at work and enhancing both professional and personal development.

Critical thinking is methodical approach to problem-solving is what makes it valuable. Critical thinkers pause to analyse the issue, pose insightful questions, and consider several possibilities before acting out of habit or emotion. Cottrell (2017) asserts that critical thinking entails recognising bias, assessing sources, comprehending logical relationships, and differentiating between opinion and reality. These procedures aid in ensuring that judgements are supported by facts and reasoning rather than gut feeling.

The capacity of critical thinking to highlight our reasoning is blind spots is one of the main features I have grown to value. Our judgement might be hampered by the effect of our past experiences, personal convictions, and workplace culture. According to Halpern (2014), critical thinking enables people to identify cognitive distortions and get past reflexive or unconsidered reactions. In addition to improving judgement, this self-awareness encourages more moral and inclusive decision-making. In my professional life, a team project for a client presentation served as a prime illustration of this. Based on information from an internal survey, the group had decided on a particular strategy. However, I discovered throughout the evaluation process that several of the results did not truly reflect larger customer expectations because they were based on a small sample size. I thought it was vital to reevaluate the evidence, even if the team was hesitant to alter the plan so near the deadline.

I started by describing the possible dangers of proceeding with the faulty data, such as client discontent or an absence of quantifiable impact, using a critical thinking technique. I suggested that we swiftly obtain more representative input and consult more sources. The updated presentation was far more in line with the client's objectives, even if it required working under additional time constraint. Our image as a meticulous and dependable staff was strengthened when the customer recognised our attention to detail.

This event reaffirmed that critical thinking has practical applications in the workplace and is not only a theoretical idea. It gives people the confidence to accept responsibility for their choices and to lead honorably, even when doing so is difficult or unpopular. According to Ku (2009), critical thinkers are better at solving problems and working with others because they are more likely to communicate clearly, question presumptions in a positive way, and look for rational consensus.

Applying critical thinking is not always simple, despite its advantages. Our ability to think clearly can be hampered by emotional stress, time limits, and workplace politics. In addition, there is occasionally opposition to challenging authority persons or accepted conventions. I have found that using useful tools like decision matrices, lists of advantages and disadvantages, and structured reflection models like Kolb's Learning Cycle which emphasises learning from experience via observation, analysis, and experimentation has helped me overcome these obstacles (Kolb, 1984).

I have made it a practice to interact with other viewpoints, take part in peer review sessions, and keep up with scholarly and professional literature in order to keep improving my critical thinking abilities. After significant assignments or meetings, I also keep a notebook in which I record what went well, what may be better, and how the facts at the moment influenced my choices.

To sum up, critical thinking is essential to both personal accountability and professional success. Even under duress, it enables us to answer confidently and clearly, handle difficult challenges, and make well-informed judgements. I now view critical thinking as an attitude that I will continue to cultivate throughout my career, rather than merely a talent, thanks to experience, introspection, and a readiness to challenge my own preconceptions.

References:

• Cottrell, S. (2017) Critical Thinking Skills: Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection. 3rd ed. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

• Facione, P.A. (2015) Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts. Insight Assessment.

• Halpern, D.F. (2014) Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. 5th ed. New York: Psychology Press.

• Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

• Ku, K.Y.L. (2009) Assessing Students’ Critical Thinking Performance: Urging for Measurements Using Multi-response Format. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 4(1), pp.70–76.

  
  

  2nd Reflective Entry