Induction Module: Learning & Thinking Skills

Induction Module: Learning and Thinking Skills
Date: 21-22 April 2007

LEARNING LOG

In this module, I found that there were 3 topics interest me the most.

1. MIND MAPPING TECHNIQUES
Learn
I had heard of mind mapping but not really tried it before. I learned that the reason why mind mapping works was because it simulates the pattern of how the brain thinks. With the addition of colours and pictures it helped to stimulate the right brain in learning process.

Unlearn
I realized learning was no longer meant to be as dry as university notes. It can be fun by creating your own mind map.

Relearn
I had put into practice the creation of mind map for Critical Thinking topic. By doing so it really helped in giving a full picture of a particular topic you want to learn.

2. CRITICAL THINKING
Learn
When thinking of a subject, content or problem applying Critical Thinking is very important as it improves the quality of a person thinking skills. To be a good Critical Thinker, I need to possess certain ability e.g. raise vital questions and problems, gather and assess relevant information and thinks open mindedly.
In short, Critical Thinking is self directed, self disciplined, self monitored and self corrective thinking.

Unlearn
Wise and sound decision could be made if we apply Critical Thinking. I realized it is not just merely asking questions but the sorts of question you asked. To be a good Critical Thinker, I need to ask questions that could check clarity, accuracy, precision, depth, relevance, logicalness, significance, breadth and fairness of information provided.

Relearn
I managed to apply Critical Thinking to my customer (Doctors) by asking questions that checked clarity and precision on the comment he made.


3. DE BONO’S SIX THINKING HATS
Learn
I was amazed by how wonderful this technique could be when it comes to problem solving or making decisions. I had attended training on Problem Solving but had not come across Six Thinking Hats technique. It can be used not only in problem solving but also discussion of issues in work. It simply helps by encouraging different style of thinking that covers different perspective or angle of an issue.

Unlearn
Instead of asking for feedback or solutions, I could start asking my team members to put on different thinking hats to deals with problems or issues. I could start the process by wearing

BLUE HAT: That control the whole discussion followed by team members wearing
RED HAT: Look at problem using emotions.
WHITE HAT: Focus on facts and data available.
YELLOW HAT: Look at positive or optimistic points of the decision.
BLACK HAT: Look at negative or bad points of the decision.
GREEN HAT: Develops creative solution to a problem (provide other options).
RED HAT: To think of which option might be the best.
and finally
BLUE HAT: To decide.

Relearn
I would need to practice this technique in order to remember the sequence of using six thinking hats.