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

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,

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