Critical and creative thinking skills Essay

Critical and creative thinking skills are used throughout our lives to help us make important decisions and guide us through our most difficult and treasured moments. These particular thinking skills are deemed to be higher levels of thought and through this higher level of thinking, help us make both personal and professional decisions. According to Le Cornu (2009), critical thinking is defined â€Å"as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered† (p.1). This type of thinking embodies three different characteristics in its approach, these three dimensions are, analytic, evaluation and creative. In taking this approach one must be ableto think critically through reflection, observation of the major components and also incorporate some creativity to come up with unique ways to address the situation. Utilizing this approach guides us and gives us a strategy to incorpo rate both critical and creative thinking which work hand in hand to allow us to arrive at our final decision. Critical and creative thinking are thought to â€Å"involve a complex approach to arriving at an educated decision by implementing a strategy for questioning and reasoning that will allow arrival at a final well informed outcome† (Nicholls, 2010). I have used critical and creative thinking in my life many times, most recently I used this thinking process to make a very important decision. This decision consisted of deciding whether to come back school and pursue my Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health. This decision required thoughtful thinking and was used to obtain the best possible decision I could. I decided to use this method of thinking because, according to Paul & Elder (2006), â€Å"critical thinking is the active, persistent and careful consideration of a belief or form of knowledge, the grounds that support it and the conclusions that follow† (p.5). I considered this to be a very important decision therefore I  understood that it would require thoughtful consideration to arrive at the right choice for me. At this point in my life three major things had to be evaluated, analyzed and thought about creatively. My family, my career, and the value of obtaining a graduate degree. I had to ta ke extensive time and weigh the pros and cons of returning to school at this point. I had to examine those major factors critically and I also had to be creative in my thinking to work out the details. Nicholls (2010), states that creativity â€Å"involves forming ideas to solve problems and resolve issues† (p.12). In considering such a life changing decision, intellectual and out of the box methods had to be considered. My family consists of my 3 year old daughter and my fiancà ©e. In making this very important decision I had to examine how this decision would affect these two very important people. Factors included, time and money. Evaluating if my family would suffer because of the time and energy I would use pursuing my degree. Also, how would the amount of tuition effect our financial status and how would we adjust to this. Being a fulltime mom for two years, living off of one salary, having no savings, were all factors that had to be taken into consideration. On one hand, obtaining a higher degree could potentially increase our income, however one the other hand, paying the tuition in the interim while still living off of one salary had to be taken into consideration. These very important issues all had to be evaluated and analyzed. In taking these issues into consideration I was offered a full time position, providing ABA intervention to children on the Autism Spectrum. This presented an exciting, positive opportunity except for the fact that I was not thinking about returning to school at the very same time. This exciting opportunity presented me with both obstacles and benefits that I had to incorporate. Some of these obstacles included being able to perform at the best of my abilities, completing tasks proficiently and number one on the list ensuring that I have enough time to spend with my family. In examining these obstacles I had to analyze the immediate benefits that this entailed as well, one of which included, having two salaries, having the financial security that two incomes can provide. Being that my daughter is only three years old, constantly growing and changing each day, every minute spent away from her, could potentially be a min ute that I missed a major milestone in her life. Included in this struggle for time would be less time to complete  school work, to study, to interact with classmates. Therefore in turn leaving less time to take in the overall experience that a graduate program has to offer. Having all this to consider I had to resort to sound thinking otherwise known as critical and creative thinking which â€Å"requires both imagination and intellectual standards† (Paul &Elder) (p.4). These things contributed to the quality of my decision in that I took the time to analyze all factors, evaluate how these things would both have a negative or positive affect, and be creative in the ways that I could go about planning, and organizing my life to incorporate this change. In doing this I used â€Å"cognitive skills or strategies that increased the probability of a desirable outcome† (Halpern 1998). My education, affordability, time, completing assignments to the best of my abilities and learning all appropriate information were all things that had to be taken into consideration. Going back to school requires dedication in time, money and consistency. Would I have enough time to complete assignments and tasks, would I be able to afford this? Considering all options I finally arrived at the decision to return to school and accomplish my dream of obtaining a master’s degree. When I thought methodically, incorporated a strategy that allowed myself to evaluate and analyze the pros and cons, while also incorporating some creativity I was able to see that this was the right decision for me. In thinking critically and creatively I came to the conclusion that it would not be perfect, I would not be able to fulfill all my duties every day. However with patience, organization, and discipline I am currently on the right track, and am happy with the outcome thus far. There are days when I cannot believe I made this decision. There are times when I am just too exhausted to make that special meal for my family and feel defeated. However, after taking a few moments for myself I am able to realize that there is tomorrow, and in that day I can once again try and accomplish what I did not the day before. In thinking this way I am still incorporating critical and creative thinking skills in which bring about a positive outcome. References Halpern, D. F. (1998). Teaching critical thinking for transfer across domains: Dispisitions skills, structure training, and meta cognitive monitoring. American Psychologist 53(4), 440-445. Le Cornu, A. (2009). Meaning internalizations and Externalization: Towards a fuller understanding of the process of reflection and its role in the construction of the self. Adult Quarterly 59 (4), 279-297. Nicholls, D. D. (2010). Development of critical thinking and creativity: Practical guidelines for the postsecondary classroom. ATEA Journal 38 (1), 12-15. Paul, R. E. (2006). Critical thinking: The naute of critical and creative thought. Journal of Developmental Education , 34-35.

Paleolithic Age

The Stone Age Social Studies Mrs. Perez By: Alexander Colon 6th grade The Stone Age Now I think we can all admit that The Stone Age was not a good time to be living in the glory and all that. But I bet we would all be having some pretty good times with the things that you were able to do back then. So, let me explain some to you. During the Paleolithic age nomads grouped together into small societies called bands. They also subsisted by gathering plants, hunting, or scavenging wild animals. They did this by using wood or bones carved to use as weapons. They started to use stones in the Neolithic so I will get to that later.Other organic commodities were adapted for use as tools also like leather or vegetable fibers. Although the Paleolithic age is part of the Stone Age nomads did not use stones until the Neolithic age; I’ll get to that now. The beginning of the Neolithic culture is co0nsidered to be in the Levant about 10200-8800 BCE. It formed directly from the Epipaleolithic Nafutian culture in the region, whose people pioneered the use of wild cereals, which evolved into real farming. The Nafutian period was 12000-10200 BCE, and the so-called â€Å"proto-Neolithic â€Å"is now included in the PPNA between 10200-8800 BCE.As the Nafutians had become dependent on wild cereal in their diet and a sedentary way of life had begun among them, the climatic changes and associated with the younger dryas are thought to have forced people to have develop farming. There also were weapons made by stones, flint, and other materials. I did not include this in the intro, but the Mesolithic actually falls between the Neolithic and Paleolithic age. Did you know that in the Stone Age you did not have to have a license for anything? If you wanted to go kill a horse, slap somebody, or even throw a rock at somebody you can do it without anybody telling you so.The term Mesolithic was first used to post-Holocene, but pre-agricultural material in Norwest Europe about 10000-50 00 BCE. It is also an applied material in Levant. As you can see the Stone Age had some pretty fun things to do. You can grab a bow and arrow and hunt down a random animal; you can even go horse-back riding, or even play with fire, nobody cared what you did. There were no laws. Why heck you could have gotten married at the age of five. I guess I just explained to you that we all can have a good time in the Stone Age even if there was no television.

Starbucks Assessment

Company name and brief background Starbucks is an American global coffee company which it is the largest coffeehouse company in the world. I think anybody know Starbucks that provide to enjoy the best coffee in the world. Starbuck brief background; the opening of the first Starbucks in 1970s which was small restaurant order to enjoy coffee and it was in the city of Seattle. At the same time many people liked to drink over milk coffee and chocolate coffee, so that was more and more popular.Nowadays, Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17000 stores in 60 countries including Canada, Japan, UK, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand so on. The Starbucks promotion its product or services The beginning Starbucks only sold coffee and espresso drink as well as coffee bean. Nowadays, it sells hot and cold drink, coffee bean, hot and cold sandwiches, sweets, salads, snakes and items such as mugs, glass and tumblers. Also, its products are seasonal. Howev er, it provides various services such as entertainment (music, newspaper, magazine, free internet), and offers good or quick services.How the promotion techniques used help the Starbucks to attempt to increase its sale. Well know, Starbuck is the world brand that itself have a certain visibility, so that it rarely uses advertising on television and magazine because it don’t spend a lot of money on advertising, but it used some advertisements on billboard. We find some billboard at the highway, building or station. In addition, it used short video upload on YouTube, Blog, social network ( e. g Facebook, Twitter),website. Also it is actually in the position of strength region which is the premium brand because it chooses the position in more streams of people.However, it grow into one of the world know brand. How Starbucks maintain customer loyalty Starbucks loves hearing from customer all question, comment that is always welcome while provides the experience of quality coffee and warm service. Also, it uses a various promotion different countries such as in Taiwan uses half price discount for the period. It offers fast-forward services and high quality coffee. In addition, the customer buy a Starbucks tumbler get one free drink. In Hong Kong Starbucks promotion is free internet. For example, f you buy Starbucks drinks that you use internet its shop also it offers free newspaper, magazine and comfortable environment area for the customer. It believes that many people love drinking Starbucks coffee because it twenty types of coffee so that customer can choose different taste coffee. However, more and more people like drinking Starbucks coffee. How the Trade Descriptions Act affects the way that Starbucks promotion its products and services Starbuck need to be aware of laws in every country, so that it has law for employment, health and safety regulation and product restriction.Beside Starbucks takes action to reduce waste for its operation and recycle, als o it considers preserve the earth’s natural resource and enhance the quality of live around the global. In addition to, Starbucks actively seeks opportunities to minimize environment impact and help create a healthy planet, so that it takes steps to be environmental mission statement. Most importantly, it improves coffee quality in order to have commitment to origin TM that helps to improve the lives of coffee farmers and protect the environment where they grow their beans and can keep its highest-quality coffee standard.It is imperative that Starbucks understand commodity–grade coffee to be trade on a highly competitive market. Obviously, for the last several years, a global oversupply of coffee has been getting high price. So that it keeps steady price standard. Specifically, it provides in the fair trade certification system for importer, roaster, and retailers purchases coffee at favorable guaranteed price from farmers who registered with Fairtrade Labelling Organi zation International.Overall, I think it is a role promotion in the business which is important. Many people want to have a success on their own business, but they don't have achievement of promotion, so that they will lose their business. On the other hand, Starbucks has a success promotion of business in the world. It is not only promotion activities, also it has supervise responsibilities, the promotes employee becomes responsible for administrative assistants and other staff.

Big Family

Coming from a big family I am used to speaking over someone else in order to be heard, laughing loudly to express my happiness, and sitting at the dinner table eating delicious food cooked my grandmother. Because the majority of my life is spent with my mouth open, sometimes even when I sleep at night, I want to be an orthodontist.I contemplated on the possible careers I would pursue in the future, but could not think of one that would fulfill me as an individual. I thought about what I enjoyed doing the most, or what I often found myself doing-smiling. I love smiling, and love making other people smile, and there is no better way to express your happiness than by showing off your pearly whites. There are many individuals who ashamed of their teeth, refuse to smile or cover their mouth when they do. I want to be able to help them with this problem, especially children because the world always looks brighter behind a smile. In order to be fully prepared to become an orthodontist, and after browsing over the variety of courses offered at Boston University, I was interested in the pre-dentistry program offered at the College of Arts and Science. After viewing pictures and reading about the curriculum, I was convinced that Boston University would indulge me with a variety of knowledge in the liberal arts, and allow me to concentrate in science and pre-dentistry. I want to receive top quality education because one day I want to be able to fulfill my dream of having my own dental clinic and know that BU prepared me for it.

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Business law - Essay Example The bank which we know as J.P. Morgan, has not only established itself globally as a financial powerhouse, but is also the bank of royalty and governments. The bank of J.P. Morgan is incidentally, the bank of choice of the Vatican. The journey from the Morgan family’s inheritance of the empire in the early eighteen hundreds to today is long and arduous, and not without difficulty at times. During the Second World War, J.P. Morgan and company face the possibility of non-payment from a newly invaded Austria. In essence, J.P. Morgan is a company which originated in the new America but was routed in English ancestry. After Morgan inherited the company, his children and grandchildren would illustrate just how integral the company’s ties to England really were. Jack Morgan, Junius’s son, was fond of living both in England and America, while many of the Morgans had close ties with the royal family back in England. The great depression of the 1930’s did not find the house of Morgan to be immune, even with a net worth of $118 million. Due to the severity of the depression and global unrest caused by the Second World War, decision makers in the U.S. government under the Hoover regime, were not prepared for the type of strategizing required to dig America out of the resulting financial rut. The house of Morgan’s net worth surfaced after the depression at about $59 million which means that it was diminished to half of its original value. Interestingly enough, as powerful and prestigious as the Morgan empire had become, it was not able to withstand the crippling effects of the depression of the 1930’s leaving little hope for the financial empires of today in our current economic crisis. The Morgan company often had ties with presidential candidates or other important figure heads, making them seemingly in control of the fate of nations. It was rumored at one time that a partner of the J.P. Morgan

Special Education Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Special Education - Case Study Example Her teachers have decided to put her under self-containment because she is a slow learner and, for that reason, cannot study in the same classroom as her fellow classmates. As her teachers explain, she has a developmental reading disorder that affects the normal learning process for her. This disorder affected the student so much that she has developed some behavioral problems in addition to her inability to progress in her education (Bradford, 2009). Her performance has been stagnant from her first exposure to learning, illustrating that she is not meeting her educational goals as expected. Past Experiences Based on the information provided by her teachers and educators, we are made to understand that her problem was first recognized in her first form, and she could not engage in simple learning activities like her fellow students. She has problems with reading, and has trouble recognizing written words. She also has trouble engaging in simple rhyming activities that are part of the learning process for children her age, and cannot make meaning and ideas of simple sentences. This has, in turn, affected her overall learning experience and outcome, especially in language and linguistics. IEP Appropriateness Having established that student X is a special needs student, there is need to develop an individualized education program (IEP) to assist this student in achieving her educational goals. Because student X suffers from dyslexia, the IEP will facilitate the attainment of the student’s educational goals much faster than she otherwise could. Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives of this IEP case include: To ensure that student X meets her educational goals by the end of the year. This will be evaluated through the performance of other students in her class. To dissuade the behavioral problems that student X experiences and to improve the social skills of student X. To ensure an improvement of perpetual skills in student X, allowing the student to read and understand what she is taught in class. To train student X’s educators on different instructional methods that they can use to help student X attain her educational goals and objectives. To restructure the regular class curriculum so that it accommodates student X, allowing the student to mix with the others, hence building on her social skills. Educational Standards The goals and objectives of this IEP are also aimed at improving the educational standards of the school where student X studies (Bradford, 2009). The relation between the goals and the standards is both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, the goals and objectives will assist both the student and her educator in reaching their individual standards for education. Environmental Demands To successfully implement this IEP case, there are various environmental demands that need to be met, in relation to the classroom setting and the activities to be carried out during this process. Classroom Arrangement The classroom arrangement in any IEP case is very crucial for the success of the program. It is through a proper classroom arrangement, that the instructor can effectively and efficiently teach student X to ensure educational success. Student X needs to be placed in a classroom that is not too congested and not too spacious to distract the student during learning. Additionally, the arrangement will be in such a way that

Managing people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing people - Essay Example The purpose of writing this paper is to identify the ethical policies and practices of an organization, its benefits and effects on stakeholders, and how people at the managerial level play their role in developing and implementing organization’s ethical policies and practice. Corporate level managers and executives are facing a lot of pressure from the external forces to maintain their ethical records. External forces may include government, legislative bodies, consumers, and employees etc. The objective of adopting ethical principles and practice is to provide ground for the development of modern ideas of doing work and collaborative efforts for business activities. Traditional concept of doing business aiming higher profit and enrichment of shareholders is no more successive because business ethics are now important aspect that every manager has to deal with (George 1982). Ethical managers believe in the fulfilment of following aspects: Achievement of corporate social respo nsibility Development of fair trade policies with business partners Ethical leadership, supervision, and control Community development Mutual cooperation (with employees and other stakeholders) Fair production and distribution Environmental protection Communal enterprise Fulfilling social rights, employee empowerment, and work life balance (Crane and Matten 2007). Managers who believe in serving ethical behaviour and practices gain more and achieve higher degree of cooperation and trust from their stakeholders. Adoption of ethical values results in higher revenues due to positive sentiments amongst general public and higher demand from the customers. It develops strong moral as well as financial support from ethical investors, and increases brand awareness and brand recognition. Moreover, ethical behaviour increases employee satisfaction, commitment, and their loyalty towards job and finally, it generates better corporate image and goodwill for the business (Andreasen 2001). On the other hand, managers may also face some drawbacks or disadvantages by adopting ethical policies such as higher costs for promoting corporate image and compliance with the fair trade policies with suppliers without quality compromise. Another disadvantage can be the development of false or wrong expectations among stakeholders. Organizations also lose their freedom to maximize profit. For example, an organization transfers its manufacturing facility to an underdeveloped country for less costly production due to the availability of cheap labour. Practices like child labour, poor work safety, and low wages are acceptable in that country, but all these may not be permissible in organization’s ethical policies and practices, therefore managers and other executives would compromise on profitability giving higher consideration to the values that the company holds for the society it operates in (Andreasen 2001). According to Milton Friedman, â€Å"primary and only responsibility of business is to make money† (Duska 2007). This statement can be true to some extent and most of the supporters of this view suggest that self-interest of an organization seeking profit automatically benefits the overall society. It is true that all profitable businesses provide benefits to their shareholders but stakeholders may or may not get their share. Stakeholders basically are those people or groups who directly or indirectly get benefits from organizations. Stakeholder includes shareholders, employees and their families, the