What You Should Know about Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Critical Thinking is a mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. Problem Solving is the result of critical thinking. It involves discovering and anaylizing the problem with the goal of finding the best solution to overcome the obstacle.

Why you should think critically?

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, it includes understanding the logical connection between ideas. It includes evaluating information to reach an answer, solution, and conclusion.

Therefore, Critical thinking enables you to separate facts from opinions and enables to consider all possible options in solving a problem. Critical thinking also helps individuals and teams more effectively diagnose problems and identify possible solutions in solving a problem.

Problem Solving: What is it?

Problem solving is the act of defining a problem. Determining the cause of the problem, identifying, prioritizing, selecting alternatives for a solution, and implementing a solution. The goal of problem solving is to overcome obstacles and find the best solution to resolve the issue.

In order to solve problem, there are seven steps that could be followed. First, identify the problem to find the source of what is wrong. Then, define the problem and further form a strategy to solve it. After that, organize information consist of facts of what is known and unknown. Next, allocating resources based on problem prioritization; the more of a priority it is, the more time, money or other resources you may want to use. Furthermore, monitor the progress. If the progress is could not achieve your goal, re-evaluate the situation and look for a new strategy. Lastly, evaluate the results to determine if your strategy is the best possible solutions.

Solve Your Problem by Thinking Critically

Critical thinking and problem solving define as the broadly applicable cognitive skills that people use in constructing knowledge, identifying patterns, formulating arguments, and solving problems. In order to be effective critical thinkers, you have to be able to evaluate vast amounts of information and formulate well-reasoned claims.

In addition, having the capacity to analyze situations, to implement strategies, and to evaluate both of solutions and processes are needed in developing problem solving skills. The ability to develop a well thought out solution within a reasonable time frame is a skill that employers value greatly.

Conclusion

Critical thinking is part of problem solving. Once you identify the problem, you can use critical thinking to guide you through the problem solving steps. To be successful in your life, to resolve conflicts in the workplace, and overcome challenges to meet business goals.

References:

Britichcouncil. Critical thinking and problem solving. Retrieved January 14, 2021, from https://www.britishcouncil.me/en/programmes/education/21st-century-schools/what/ctps

Butterworth, J. & Thwaites, G. (2013). Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Cambridge University Press: UK.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving — 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2021, from https://sites.google.com/site/twentyfirststcenturyskills/evaluation