Article One: Becoming a critical thinker (Page 227)
This piece is about critical thinking and the ability to ask the correct questions in order to earn the maximum amount of marks on a particular assignment or test. The concept of critical thinking involves the person asking themselves questions such as who, what, where, how and why. This concept also has several steps, the first being asking yourself why this issue is important in general, to you and understanding its importance. The second step is finding various perspectives or points of view on this issue. This is done to avoid being biased. The next step is finding out how each argument can be supported with proof. After reading this article, I have come to a realization that I am not a critical thinker and I can become one by questioning myself and providing each argument with a proof to back my points up.
Article Two: Ways to create ideas (Page 232)
This article is about the different ways to create ideas. In this lesson we are shown steps that can be taken to avoid being stuck on how to start a new project. The first step in this process is to brainstorm and make dot jots on all possible topics along with the solutions to each one of them. After this, it is easy to select one and create a plan on how to follow though on the selection. Next, you must prepare yourself on the work that you are about to be done. This can be done by prioritizing this project in perspective of the due dates of others. This is essential because you may lose the ability to concentrate when working and as breaks, you can work on the other projects. Being creative helps your final product become different and stand out compared to others.
Article Three: Four ways to solve problems (Page 241)
While working on an assignment such as an essay, students face problems that prevent them from completing the task. This article suggests four steps that can help overcome this problem. The first step is clearly identifying the problem. This is essential because you must fully understand what must be overcome. The second step in this four-step process is generating a list of possible solutions, regardless of how impractical they may seem to you. Step 3 is creating a plan to help you overcome the issue and finding a method to make sure that the plan does not, not work out. The fourth step is following through with your plan. This is probably the hardest step because several other things usually come in the way such as getting distracted (on Facebook, etc.). After reading this article, I have concluded that this 4-step process is helpful and that I should implement it on my next assignment.
Chapter 8: Communicating
Article One: Communication keeps the channels open (Page 256) Many think that verbal communication is the only method of communicating. However, they are wrong. Communication includes how you dress, act, and look at others in the presence of other people. The tone of one’s voice helps the person being spoken to-hear if what kind of mood we are in. There are also several factors such as the temperature of the environment we are in, which play a large factor in how we display our non-verbal communication. Noise can also play an effect while communicating because it distracts the receiver and the core message and meaning of the communication can be lost. Communication works the best when there is plenty of time to receive what others are sending and the opportunity to send a message when done. After reading this article, it is important to understand that communication is a two-way thing, which must involve both parties.
Article Two: Choosing to listen (Page 257)
This article is related to the choice of listening. One person can talk to another but the person receiving doesn’t always understand it (if comes through one ear and goes through the other. For example, when a person is in a time of need or needs to say something to vent and needs...