Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Application Paper

MGT/350

October 29, 2012

There are many levels of thinking. Regular levels of thinking usually consist of deciding what to eat or what clothes to wear, but the higher levels of thinking deal with critical thinking. "Critical thinking is that mode of thinking-about any subject, content, or problem- in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it" (Paul, Elder, 2006). Critical thinking is used in making important decisions and it is very important to understand how to use it.

There are six phases a person experiences before mastering the process of critical thinking. The first phase is known as the unenlightened thinker where the individual is unaware that significant problems exist with their way of thinking. This phase was a big road block for me and I was stuck in it for a very long time where I felt that the decisions and way of thinking were the correct ones. It took me several years for me to finally swallow my pride and accept that my patterns of thinking were not the right ones.

The second phase is the confronted thinker where the individual is now aware of problems with their way of thinking. The individual realizes that changes need to be made with their pattern of thinking, but it can be problematic for some to find the solution. This phase was personally challenging for me because I felt "lost" not knowing where to begin and I was confused at the initial point.

The novice thinker is the considered the third phase where the individual begins to make improvements with their way of thinking but with irregular practice. It can be challenge to find a way of improving the thinking process and it can discourage the individual from making the proper improvements when there is sometimes no one there to encourage you.

The fourth phase is the proactive thinker. In this phase, the individual has recognized the importance of practicing regularly to improve their thinking. The individual might begin thinking through small decisions and analyze every possible solution which serves as a great practicing tool for later when they have to make more important decisions. It is a process that really requires the individual to be focused and dedicated to improve their thinking process.

` The next phase is the developed thinker. At this point the individual has advanced with the amount of practice put into the thinking process. The individual is more confident and willing to continue with the whole process. Everything tends to start to look clearer for the individual and feels more comfortable with practicing critical thinking.

The final phase is the mastery thinker where the individual is well-skilled and the whole critical thinking process becomes second nature (Bednarz, 2011). This is the highest level of critical thinking that we should all strive for. Once this phase is reached problems and obstacles should be easier to confront and resolve.

One example that I would like to share