In the field of education we constantly hear about the importance of teaching critical thinking skills. In the book Thinking Critically by John Chaffee, critical thinking is described as, " The act or habit of carefully exploring the thinking process to clarify our understanding and make more intelligent decisions". Critical thinking is extremely important in that it teaches our students to consider all the information given, the outcomes, and the reasoning in order to make an educated decision. Some people do not associate critical thinking with the art room, but if you were to ever spend full day in the art room you would find that students are constantly having to tap into their critical thinking skills while problem solving how to make a sculpture structurally sound or how to create a meaningful work of art using a big idea.
Creative thinking skills are described by John Chaffee as, " The act or habit of using our thinking process to develop ideas that are unique, useful, and worthy of further elaboration". Being creative means that one is able think divergently and break out of established patterns of thinking. Creative people are able to approach ideas and situations from new directions. Creative thinking skills allow individuals to come up with solutions, ideas, or answers that aren't even offered yet. Critical and creative thinking skills complement each other well. When I think of well-known figures that demonstrate developed critical and creative thinking skills, I think of Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling, Nikola Tesla, and Ariana Huffington.
Now reader I would like you to take a moment and think about how you use your critical and creative thinking skills at home, at school, or in the workplace. Please share in the comments section below.
-Arrilla Tyrrell
Creative thinking skills are described by John Chaffee as, " The act or habit of using our thinking process to develop ideas that are unique, useful, and worthy of further elaboration". Being creative means that one is able think divergently and break out of established patterns of thinking. Creative people are able to approach ideas and situations from new directions. Creative thinking skills allow individuals to come up with solutions, ideas, or answers that aren't even offered yet. Critical and creative thinking skills complement each other well. When I think of well-known figures that demonstrate developed critical and creative thinking skills, I think of Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, J.K. Rowling, Nikola Tesla, and Ariana Huffington.
Now reader I would like you to take a moment and think about how you use your critical and creative thinking skills at home, at school, or in the workplace. Please share in the comments section below.
-Arrilla Tyrrell