Communication
Definition:
The exchange of thoughts and information.
What Does This Have To Do With Critical Thinking?
People are well aware that they use communication skills everyday, yet it isn't as obvious that they use critical thinking skills just as frequently; so how are the two linked in such an important way? The greatest communicators are those who are able to
think deeply about information and take the other person's perspective into account before exchanging the information. That's why the saying "think before you speak" is so common!
Real World Connections:
In the Workplace--> In any job or career, there is critical thinking involved. The ability to have a fair mind and make rational decisions is very useful in the workplace. For example, if you're a manager and you suspect one of your employees is stealing from the company, you don't just fire them instantly. You take the time to gather facts and assess their credibility. Then, once you've observed and reflected on the situation, what is the last thing to do? Communicate the information! Without communication, no one would ever know the results of your critical thinking.
In Personal Relationships--> Communication is a very important aspect of relationships. Often times relationships fail because one or both of the partners did not effectively communicate their feelings. It would be great if we could read our partners' mind and be able to tell what exactly is wrong, but unfortunately we can't do that. So, what's the next best solution? Communicate with each other! This, however, doesn't mean to tell them everything that pops into your head before thinking about what you're saying. You have to access your critical thinking skills to analyze your partner, think from their perspective, and then decide the most appropriate way to communicate the information.
Additional Information:
Finally see the importance of communication and critical thinking? Want some tips on how to be an effective communicator? Visit HelpGuide!
Just because people are not always aware that they are using critical thinking skills, doesn't mean that their skills are well developed. A study followed thousands of undergraduate college students found that "Forty-five percent of students made no significant improvement in their critical thinking, reasoning or writing skills during the first two years of college." That wasn't the only finding, though. Read the rest!
In the Workplace--> In any job or career, there is critical thinking involved. The ability to have a fair mind and make rational decisions is very useful in the workplace. For example, if you're a manager and you suspect one of your employees is stealing from the company, you don't just fire them instantly. You take the time to gather facts and assess their credibility. Then, once you've observed and reflected on the situation, what is the last thing to do? Communicate the information! Without communication, no one would ever know the results of your critical thinking.
In Personal Relationships--> Communication is a very important aspect of relationships. Often times relationships fail because one or both of the partners did not effectively communicate their feelings. It would be great if we could read our partners' mind and be able to tell what exactly is wrong, but unfortunately we can't do that. So, what's the next best solution? Communicate with each other! This, however, doesn't mean to tell them everything that pops into your head before thinking about what you're saying. You have to access your critical thinking skills to analyze your partner, think from their perspective, and then decide the most appropriate way to communicate the information.
Additional Information:
Finally see the importance of communication and critical thinking? Want some tips on how to be an effective communicator? Visit HelpGuide!
Just because people are not always aware that they are using critical thinking skills, doesn't mean that their skills are well developed. A study followed thousands of undergraduate college students found that "Forty-five percent of students made no significant improvement in their critical thinking, reasoning or writing skills during the first two years of college." That wasn't the only finding, though. Read the rest!