5 Elements Of Critical Thinking

In The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking, by Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird, the theme that critical thinking and learning is a life-long journey that remains a work in progress is evident through the various points made about how to better approach, provoke and transform the thinking process. The authors invoke practical approaches about how to improve skills and expand one’s learning. This book argues that knowledge and learning comes from a willingness to embrace failure, in addition to organizing practical and persistent approaches regarding thinking.

In order to continue to expand one’s knowledge in a particular area, one must first master the basics and understand deeply the small concepts of that particular subject by clearing

the clutter and seeking the essential idea. When seeking the essential idea, one must ask themselves what they know and what they are missing from the topic.

Making a list of concepts and ideas that come to mind when thinking of a subject is a start to understanding where the gaps are within the knowledge of that person. Following the flow of one’s ideas helps to best understand where ideas came from and where they could potentially lead when thinking about a subject. Following one’s ideas provides insight into the depth of knowledge that person has about the subject, and in order to understand something thoroughly, one must first understand deeply the simple things. When trying to understand a concept in depth, one must look at the small things from every angle and from every detail in order to profoundly understand that concept before moving on the greater whole. Essentially, understanding the smaller concepts thoroughly will help one understand the greater concept more deeply because “if you can’t solve a problem, there is an easier problem you can’t solve.” Ultimately, this proves that one must first understand the smaller concepts and ideas thoroughly in order to be able to move on and understand the bigger concepts. Additionally,

trying alternatives to a certain concept has the benefit of understanding the alternatives and that concept more in depth. For example, in class, we used the method of scaffolding aside from the normal long division method, in order to better understand and grasp each concept of what we do when we divide. This was beneficial in our own understanding of division, and ultimately, helped us to better master the basics. Understanding deeply means mastering the fundamental basics which allows one to create a solid foundation upon in order to continue to expand knowledge.
After mastering the basics, another step to more effective thinking is to reflect upon mistakes.

Mistakes will inevitably happen in anything people do. In order to be able to improve thinking and make forward progress, one must consider past mistakes and wish to understand why they happened. Mistakes can be uncomfortable to make when trying to master a subject. Failure is inevitable, but one must not let the connotations associated with failure get in his/her head. Failure and errors should be perceived as positive setbacks that make room for improvement and growth within a person. After a mistake or error, an activity, such as reflecting on that mistake is beneficial. For example, if one makes a mistake when solving a problem and gets an incorrect solution, going back and understanding why that attempt was wrong is beneficial. This activity directs the attention from finding the correct solution to correcting one’s mistake. Errors and mistakes are not a sign of weakness, but rather they are an opportunity to grow and work towards future success. Failure should be celebrated as an opportunity towards reaching success because these mistakes and errors are what lead to epiphanies and success at the end. Ultimately, in order to grow and learn, one must reflect, reassess, and extract positive lessons from prior mistakes to make forward

progress.
Another significant aspect regarding being a better effective thinker is to ask questions. Questioning one’s own questions and improving those questions will increase curiosity and provoke deeper thinking. An example of how to question yourself comes from the example the book gives about the famous philosopher, Socrates. Socrates, ultimately, challenged “his students, friends, and even enemies to make new discoveries” by asking them multiple uncomfortable questions. By being one’s own Socrates, one allows himself/herself to deepen thought about the topic and provide insight into the subject. Traditionally, it is believed that answering questions is where progress is made. However, creating questions and asking them is just as important, if not more, than answering questions. Raising questions is a mind-opening habit that provokes deeper thinking and an involvement with the inner self. Additionally, one should not only ask questions when they don’t understand or don’t know the answer. Asking questions and improving them all the time ultimately opens a door to revealing hidden assumptions, exposing vagueness, identifying errors, and considering alternatives. Another healthy habit to get into in order to provoke deeper thinking and understanding is to look at the topic from various viewpoints. Frame and ask questions from multiple perspectives. For example, with mathematics, one can think about questions “numerically, graphically, algebraically, or physically,” which will all serve the purpose of uncovering deeper thinking regarding the topic. This deeper thinking, in turn, will produce new flows of ideas about the subject. Starting a project, assignment, or essay and tackling it will iterate ideas. After producing ideas regarding some subject matter, it is best to think back on those ideas to gain new insight into the evolving subject, as well as extend those ideas to improve the solutions and advance forward. New ideas ultimately evolve from older ideas that have already been established and these ideas illuminate a path towards greater ideas for the future. A good exercise to finding new ideas for yourself on a particular subject is to take old ideas and create extensions of them. There will always be ideas of the past and a challenge is to find them to produce new ideas. Producing new ideas and extending from old ones is what the book refers to as the “normal state.” The “normal state” is a state in which things need attention and need improvement. The reality is that in everything we do, we think it is the “normal state.” However, the “normal state” always has room for improvement and growth. Whether it be within family, friends, relationships, education, possessions, and more, there is always room to improve and grow, and this improvement and growth can stem from the flow of new ideas based on old ones that have already been established. An important perspective to take on being a successful thinker is that everything, including the best, can be improved. When one thinks something can’t be improved, he/she is limiting himself/herself and his/her capabilities. However, if one approaches subjects, ideas, and anything he/she does with the idea that it can be improved by a new idea, then his/her mind and knowledge, as well as the world, will continue to grow.
Lastly, in order to become a better effective thinker, one must actually perform the tasks mentioned in the book and promote change. All of the former elements listed, understanding deeply, recognizing failure, asking questions, and provoking new ideas, mean nothing unless one applies them to his/her life. Adopting these habits and doing them with any subject matter will help one improve his/her thinking process throughout life. One must engage in constructive change and transform himself/herself through creativity to become a better effective thinker. The first four elements listed are like the “instructions in a diet book.” If one does this and that, then one will lose weight and transform the body. However, often times, the problem is having all of the correct information to make change, but doing nothing to pursue change. To become more skillful and successful in what one does, one must think of altering what he/she does in order to promote progress. If one adopts the elements of effective thinking given in the book, one will develop more mental strength and capacity, and will ultimately become a more effective and creative thinker in anything. Ultimately, applying and embracing these elements of effective thinking in every aspect of life will lead to clarity and self-definition, which will inevitably lead to the quintessential self: a person who professionally and personally in everything they do in society.