self reflection (critical and creative thinking)

The mind is a wonderful thing. Even though it is small compared to other body part, it function as the most important organ in human. We heard that our mind is like a computer and we use only a portion of its capability. We should be conscious of what our brain can do so that we can maximize its function. Basically we have our mind so that we can think. Thinking skills are crucial to survive in this world. Critical and creative thinking is one of the thinking skills that need to be apply not only to student but to all people without any age limit as long as they are living in this world. Everything we do require us to think before we do any action. Our behaviour also are driven by our thinking skills. The combination to creative and critical thinking will lead us to unimaginable success beyond our expectation.

   Critical thinking can be define as exercising or involve in analysis and evaluation of an idea to form a judgment (Ruggiero, V. R., & Ellis, D. B. ,1993). Nowadays we are asked to analyze and think in a face-paced world. When we talk about thinking, it is not only about studying or taking an exam. It is about how we make a judgment and how we act in our daily life. To be able to survive in this world, we need to think critically because not everything you expect will happen and doesn’t mean that your day will go just like what you imagine. To be able to think critically, we should be aware of our surroundings and asking question. Asking question does not portray that you are dumb or unknowledgeable. It shows that you are in the process of thinking. Critical thinking is important to us especially student because it can contribute so much in our life such as it can help us to come up with a strong argument of our own so that we can present our thoughts and justify it according to what we have analyse. Other than that, critical thinking can help us to boost up our academic performance. Plato even said that critical thinking is the tool that helps individual to find an answer to its problem .(Ruggiero, V. R., & Ellis, D. B. 1993). Critical thinking is intrinsic in our life and our study. The sooner you get to develop these skills the greater the benefits it will bring.

Meanwhile, creative thinking can be define as the ability to come up with new unusual ideas. In this century, thinking creatively is one of the important thinking skills that one should possess especially the youngster. Thinking creatively will make you go far wherever you are because everyone can think critically but not everyone can think creatively. Some people does not have the ability to think creatively as they always follow the guideline or direction that other people has give them. Their mind has been fix to only follow the rules and never do anything beyond what has been ask. For the one that think creatively, their world can be beyond this dimension and their ideas is novel. But it does not mean that it cannot be develop. Creative thinking can lead you into a new path that can enrich your life ( Adair, J. 2019).Thinking creatively require us to think outside of the box and something that has never be done or think by anyone else. There is a quote from Albert Einstein ‘ creativity is intelligence having fun’ which sum up a lot about creativity. Being creative is not easy as it require a great imagination and plenty of ideas.

University is a another whole new world compared to when I was in high school. Everyone here has their own ability and uniqueness.Through my experience I believe that critical and creative thinking are important as most of the things that I did in university require it. For example when I went to interview for any position in club or programme, the interviewer will asks question that will test my ability to think critically and creatively to see my level of thinking. Besides attitudes, this is the things that they look for in an individual that they want to choose. How I answer the question, the time needed for me to answer it and what make my idea interesting that determine if I get the position or not. Imagine if my critical and creative thinking is not fully develop or still in a low level, how am I suppose to answer that question in a short time and the possibility for me to gain the position will be low.Even when I did an assignment, this skills is really needed to be able to complete the task given and get a high marks. If there is no creativity in answering assignment, everyone will do the same thing. Only the one that think critically and creatively will get the lecturer’s attention more. To become someone outstanding in university, we should be able to think critically and creatively. It requires some practices but with all the experience we can gain through many programs held by the university, we can sharpen our critical and creative thinking skill.

After all critical and creative thinking is a necessity to student to be able to go far and succeed in everything we do. Never limit our ability to think because the mind is wonderful thing to waste and never be afraid to think different as others because everyone has their own way of thinking. To be able to think is one of the greatest blessing that were given to us. Be grateful and never take it for granted. To conclude this self reflection, all I can say is creative and critical thinking is one of the compulsory skill that all the students should have and learning about this topic is truly important as not many student are aware that these are the skills that they need for success. As a human, we can only rely on our ability to think and it is great if we can maximize our brain to think creatively and critically.

References

Ruggiero, V. R., & Ellis, D. B. (1993). Critical thinking supplement to Becoming a master student: Tools, techniques, hints, ideas, illustrations, instructions, examples, methods, procedures, processes, skills, resources and suggestions for success. Rapid City, SD: College Survival.

Adair, J. (2019). The art of creative thinking: How to be Innovative and develop Great Ideas, Kogan Page.

Changwong, K., Sukkamart, A., & Sisan, B. (2018). Critical thinking skill development: Analysis of a new learning management model for Thai high schools. Journal of International Studies, 11(2), 37-48. doi:10.14254/2071- 8330.2018/11-2/3