The question of what is critical thinking and problem solving can be simply answered as the person’s ability to use the available knowledge, data, and facts in order to efficiently solve the problems. These skills are actually the intellectually disciplined processes with the emphasis on the utilization of high order thinking that includes various analyzing techniques such as conceptualization, analysis, synthesis, application, and evaluation of the incoming information flow.
All these definitions mean that problem solving and critical thinking is about thinking according to the situation, assessing the problems, and finding solutions to them. Considering all these definitions, it is required to understand the core of the answer to the question of what is critical thinking and problem solving.
The Definition of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking, at its core, is the disciplined intellectual process that consists of the data gathering that is generated by the observation, research, experience, or synthesis with the subsequent analysis, application, and evaluation of the solutions to the problems along with the consideration of other interpretations. The process of critical thinking includes the metacognition, which is defined as the process of being aware of one’s thinking and being aware of this in order to control the overall process of problem-solving.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Considering the easily accessible data sources that are present in the informational society, the information explosion can confuse the researcher. This results in the situation when one is passively accepting the information without questioning the reliability of the information and its source. Additionally, in the real world, the ability to think critically is valued by the employers that want their employees to work their way through the problems. Also, the critical thinking process is valuable for the personal and social life because by using the critical thinking one can make justified decisions about the personal and social affairs.
The Definition of Problem Solving
In the modern world, problems are the inherent part of everyday life and usually, stand at the center of what most people are doing at work. Problem solving is one of the imperative characteristics that the effective manager has to possess in order to perform his job efficiently. This requires a confidence that usually is present if the problem solver has the effective framework of approaching and dealing with the problems. With the existing framework, it is possible to avoid such obstacles as being stuck or creating the least effective solutions. The most basic framework for the effective problem solving includes the definition of the problem, generation of the alternative solutions, evaluation of these solutions, and implementation.
The Importance of Problem Solving
The importance of problem solving is deeply embedded into the life of a person because one’s everyday life is accompanied by the problems and decisions to make. The ability to solve problems is more than a simple ability that can be learned and it is more like a state of mind that aims at solving the problems, making life easier, and shaping the environment. Finally, by developing the problem solving set of mind, one can expand the possessed set of skills along with the increased ability to deal with stressful situations that are present in the everyday life of every person.