Education Archives

How to Gather Information: Finding Gems Among the Rocks

How can you figure out whether certain information is relevant to the issue at hand? How do you know if an information source is credible? The first step to critical thinking is gathering information. To do this well, first, clarify your topic or question and its parameters. Then, assess the relevance of the information you find. Check it for reliability, bias, and fallacies. Continue reading to learn how to gather information to find real answers and solutions.

How to Construct an Argument: Inductive Reasoning in 3 Steps

What’s inductive reasoning? How can it help you understand an issue and build a convincing argument? Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving explains how to apply critical thinking to solve problems more effectively. A major step in the process is forming an argument from the information you’ve gathered in order to move toward a solution—and even persuade others to adopt your way of thinking. Here’s the authors’ advice on how to construct an argument that helps everyone clearly grasp the problem and embrace a path forward.

The 4 Steps for Critical Thinking: A Process for Any Problem

Do you apply critical thinking to problems that come your way? Could you use a step-by-step process? In Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving, Bigrocks Thinking explains how you can enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to improve your learning, your work, and your personal life. They share four steps for critical thinking that you can apply to any situation. Continue reading to learn about these four critical thinking steps.

Five Elements of a Story That Provide & Intensify Meaning

What quality is a must for your protagonist? What’s “subversion of expectation”? How can you create a story that involves high stakes? Screenwriter and storytelling expert Robert McKee says that humans are obsessed with stories because they fill a core human need: We need to find meaning—truth about the world that influences how we live our lives. The best stories are rich in meaning. Read more to learn the five elements of a story that provide and intensify meaning.

How to Identify the Problem: 2 Ways to Figure Out What’s Wrong

When you’re stuck, what’s the first step to getting back in gear? What’s a good way to identify a problem in a group setting? To solve a problem, you must first identify the problem. Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving by Bigrocks Thinking shares two practical frameworks to do just that: 5W2H and SCQH. They walk you through each framework in steps. Keep reading to crack the 5W2H and SCQH codes and clearly identify the problem that’s holding you back.

Logic Tree Example & Steps: A Simple Problem-Solving Tool

What is a logic tree? How can it help you solve problems? How do you create one? Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving by Bigrocks Thinking shows you how to apply critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions more effectively. The authors recommend using a logic tree to find solutions to your problems and answers to your questions. Continue reading to see a logic tree example and learn the steps to create one for yourself.

Step-by-Step Problem-Solving: The 5 Steps to a Solution

What’s the 5W2H framework for identifying a problem? How can a logic tree help you find a solution? What should you do after you solve a problem? If you have a big question to answer or a decision to make, you have a problem to solve. Problem-solving is directed specifically at bridging a gap between your current state and a desired state—getting from here to there. Continue reading to learn a step-by-step problem-solving process from the book Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving.

How to Structure a Presentation by Structuring Your Thinking

What’s the pyramid principle, and how can it help you present information effectively? What if you structured your presentations as stories? The authors of Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving explain how to give good presentations and communicate your ideas effectively using critical thinking. They note that many people have excellent ideas but don’t understand how to structure their presentations. Read more to learn how to structure a presentation by structuring your thinking first.

Diversity Is Strength: General McMaster on American Pluralism

Is diversity a strength or a weakness? How can it be leveraged to make America stronger against its adversaries? General H. R. McMaster argues that the U.S. can face its global challenges with long-term goals. One strategy he recommends is to turn American diversity into strength and reaffirm education as a fundamental bulwark of democracy. Continue reading to understand McMaster’s argument that diversity is strength.

Are AP Classes Worth It? 4 Reasons Why Critics Say No

Are AP classes worth it in high school? What are the negative effects of taking AP classes? Advanced Placement (AP) courses are designed to give high school students a head start on a college degree. But critics have called the program a “racket,” and recently, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized a proposed AP African American studies course as biased. Keep reading to learn why recent criticisms show that AP classes may not be worth the effort.