Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

 The Iceberg Model The iceberg model, which offers a visual picture of how a system functions, is a helpful tool for systems thinking. It implies that many systems have hidden, underlying variables that affect their behavior, just as an iceberg contains much of its mass below the water's surface. The more evident, observable system-affecting variables are located at the top of the iceberg, above the waterline. These are the things that are plainly visible, like rules, practices, and conduct. Assumptions, beliefs, values, and cultural norms are just the tip of a much broader, more intricate set of components that are hidden beneath the surface. The iceberg model is helpful in comprehending how the system can be significantly impacted by hidden, underlying variables. These elements may have an impact on decisions and behavior in ways that are not always obvious. For instance, a workplace culture that prioritizes individual success above teamwork may be detrimental to cooperation, pro...

 System Thinking Systems thinking is a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and decision-making that takes into account the interdependencies between different system components. It entails comprehending both the larger environment in which the system operates and how various system components interact with one another. Identifying patterns, relationships, and feedback loops within a system is at the heart of systems thinking. This makes it possible for people to comprehend a problem or issue's root causes more thoroughly and come up with better solutions. Systems thinking enables people to recognize and treat a problem's core causes as opposed to just its symptoms. Systems thinking is crucial in complex systems because modifications to one component of the system may have unanticipated effects on other components. People can detect potential unintended outcomes and create ways to reduce these risks by taking into account the entire system. Additionally, systems thinking c...

 Smart Thinking The capacity for information analysis, well-informed decision-making, and problem-solving is referred to as smart thinking. It entails applying critical thinking abilities to assess data and develop original answers to challenging issues. Being bright is only one aspect of smart thinking; another is the capacity to apply one's knowledge and abilities in a useful and efficient way. The capacity to deconstruct complex issues into simpler, more manageable components is one of the hallmarks of clever thinking. This enables a more concentrated and targeted method of problem-solving. Before making a choice, it's important to weigh various viewpoints and gather all necessary data. The capacity to think creatively and solve issues in novel ways is another component of clever thinking. This entails taking chances and being receptive to novel concepts and strategies. Smart people aren't scared to question the status quo and use their imagination to come up with fresh ...

 Is the Nearest School the Best School? Many parents in Sri Lanka think that the closest school is the best choice when it comes to selecting the best one for their children. This might not always be the case, though. When choosing a school, a number of things should be taken into account, including the standard of instruction, the qualifications of the teachers, the availability of resources, and extracurricular activities. It is also crucial to take into account the school's standing and its capacity to offer pupils a secure and supportive environment. In the end, parents should do extensive study and select a well-informed choice that is suited to their child's particular requirements and goals. While being close to a school should be taken into account, it shouldn't be the only one. This is because the caliber of the education and the environment, in general, are important factors that can have a big impact on a child's academic and personal development. Parents sho...

Humility Being open-minded, responsive to new ideas, and exercising thankfulness are all characteristics of the virtue of humility. It allows people to see facts without being affected by their egos and is the antithesis of hubris. People who are open-minded can use facts rather than assumptions and step outside of their comfort zones. Humility can make it easier to adapt, which is a crucial survival trait. Students are affected by ongoing changes in the setting of the university system. developments in teaching techniques, new laws and regulations, and alterations to academic curricula are a few examples of these developments. Students need to have humility and an open mind in order to adjust to these changes. They must also be willing to change and accept new approaches to learning. It may be necessary to look for new resources, form new study habits, and learn how to interact with various types of individuals in order to adjust to changes in the academic system. Additionally, it mig...

 Self Discipline We may accomplish our objectives, make wiser judgments, and get through challenging situations by exercising self-discipline. Self-discipline is fundamentally about pausing and thoughtfully assessing a situation before acting. So that we don't jump to conclusions or make snap judgments that we could later regret. Making the effort to research a situation and have all the facts before acting is one of the fundamental elements of self-discipline. This entails restraining the impulse to develop hasty conclusions based on erroneous or partial information and spending the necessary time to thoroughly comprehend the current circumstance. To ensure that we have a thorough and accurate view of the situation, this may entail collecting data, talking with experts, or conducting research. Using our own judgment to analyze and think critically about the data we've gathered is a crucial component of self-discipline. This entails standing back from the issue and doing a crit...

Being Curious Curiosity may be a potent tool for stimulating creativity, coming up with fresh concepts, and finding solutions to issues. When we approach life with a spirit of curiosity, we widen our horizons to new encounters and viewpoints, and we develop a greater feeling of engagement and interest in the world. But what is curiosity exactly, and how can we foster this important quality? Curiosity is fundamentally a desire to know more and comprehend the world. It's the readiness to investigate, ponder, and question our presumptions. We are more involved, attentive, and inclined to be open-minded and flexible thinkers when we are interested. However, curiosity also calls for a certain amount of bravery. Being vulnerable enough to ask inquiries or to acknowledge that we don't know something might be frightening. However, by embracing our curiosity, we can aid in the fight against vulnerability's armor, which includes perfectionism, rage, and the need for control. Asking t...

 The DISA Behaviour The DISA behaviors are four typical habits that might obstruct efficient communication and fruitful partnerships. These actions include being angry, impulsive, defensive, and shutting down. We may improve our interpersonal connections, our communication skills, and our ability to achieve our goals by becoming aware of these tendencies in ourselves and others and taking action to rectify them. Instead, the DISC personality assessment, a tool used to understand personality styles and communication preferences, includes the four colors you mentioned: analytical (blue), dominant (red), stable (green), and inspiring (yellow). People who are analytical or "blue" tend to be precise, detail-oriented, and analytical thinkers. They are extremely rational and value accuracy and data-driven decision-making, yet they are frequently reticent and may come across as chilly or aloof. People who are dominant or "red" tend to be assertive, definite, and direct in t...

 Active Listening The importance of active listening in both our personal and professional lives cannot be overstated. It entails listening intently to what is being said, both audibly and nonverbally, and actively participating in the conversation to fully comprehend the speaker's point of view. Being totally present and concentrating on the speaker is one of the essential elements of active listening. Avoiding distractions like your phone, email, and other activities that can impair your capacity to listen is necessary to do this. Additionally, it entails keeping eye contact, nodding in agreement or offering other types of feedback, and refraining from interrupting or talking over the speaker. A willingness to grasp the speaker's perspective is a key component of active listening. Even if you disagree with what the speaker is saying, you must remain objective and open-minded in order to accomplish this. It also entails demonstrating empathy and making an effort to comprehend ...

 Characteristics of Critical Thinking 1. Active Listening:  Active listening is the ability to listen attentively and responsively to others, making a genuine effort to understand their message. It involves showing interest, being present, asking questions, and summarizing or paraphrasing to confirm understanding.  Click Here to Read More 2. Curiosity:  Curiosity is an innate human characteristic that drives us to explore, ask questions, and seek out new information. It involves a desire to learn and a willingness to challenge assumptions and can lead to greater understanding, creativity, and innovation.  Click Here to Read More 3. Self-Discipline:  Self-discipline is the ability to regulate and control one's own behavior and emotions, even in the face of difficulties or distractions. It involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and resisting impulses that might interfere with achieving those goals.  Click Here to Read More...

 Why the way we are? Our behaviors can come from various sources, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social influence. Some behaviors may be innate and present even before birth, while others may be learned through imitation or influenced by those around us. Core values are deeply ingrained beliefs and principles that we learn as children from our parents and environment. These values can be difficult to change because they are often deeply rooted in our identity and sense of self. Attitudes are formed opinions based on our experiences and perceptions of the world around us. They can be influenced by our beliefs, values, and emotions, and can change over time as we gain new experiences and perspectives. Core behavior refers to the person we truly want to be if given complete freedom and without any external constraints. However, in reality, our behavior is often moderated by societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal beliefs. The person we pretend t...

Surrounded by Idiots The book "Surrounded by Idiots" was authored by Thomas Erikson, a behavioral consultant and specialist from Sweden. The author describes four personality types, which he designates as Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow, in the book in order to provide light on human behavior and communication. Erikson employs a color-coded system to identify the dominant qualities and tendencies of each personality type as well as how they interact with others differently. Blues are analytical and detail-oriented, Greens are empathic and cooperative, Yellows are creative and spontaneous, and Reds are direct and competitive. Readers can enhance their communication abilities and communicate more effectively with persons who have diverse communication styles by recognizing these personality types. The book includes exercises and quizzes to help readers put the concepts into practice as well as helpful advice for coping with each personality type and determining their own type. In ...

 Why Critical Thinking? Critical thinking is important because it enables us to solve issues more successfully, make wiser judgments, and recognize and assess arguments and data in a fair and objective manner. It entails the process of evaluating data, challenging presumptions, and taking into account other viewpoints in order to reach a well-supported conclusion. Critical thinking abilities are more vital than ever in the complicated and constantly changing world of today. Given the wealth of information at our disposal, it is simple to be misled by biased or false information. Critical thinking enables us to tell what information is accurate and what is not. In addition, critical thinking is essential in many fields, including business, law, medicine, engineering, and many more. Employers prize critical thinking abilities because they help workers make better decisions and solve problems, which boosts productivity and profitability. In conclusion, critical thinking is crucial bec...

Blooms Taxonomy Bloom's taxonomy was created to give teachers a common language to talk about and share teaching and evaluation strategies. The taxonomy is most frequently used to evaluate learning on a range of cognitive levels, but it can also be used to derive specific learning objectives. From higher-order thinking to lower-order thinking, the following table lists each cognitive level. The purpose of adopting Bloom's taxonomy in the classroom is to help pupils develop higher-order thinking capabilities by starting with more basic cognitive abilities. The behavioral and cognitive learning outcomes are provided to demonstrate how Bloom's taxonomy might be incorporated into more general educational objectives or recommendations. During the assessment process, the key phrases (for instance, Example Assessments) can be used to prompt for these skills. Why Blooms Taxonomy? It's crucial to define objectives (learning goals) in a pedagogical exchange so that both teachers ...