CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking enables the individual to know the significance and relevance of their actions. The essential act of thinking includes finding and generating information through relevant methods or self-inquiry. This skill enables us to see our next course of action.
WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING? >
INITIAL TASK
DRAFT PROPOSAL
The initial task for this writing course (AP WRIT 2201) required us to make a draft proposal for a repair guide on any device. I was given specific instructions by the professor on how to structure our responses in this project. At first, my reaction was to ask myself, "What is the purpose of project being broken down into several components?" and "Does using a highly-structured approach serve a purpose ?"
Then, I realized that by repeatedly asking questions to myself made me capable of examining initial objectives and understand the direction that my project should progress. These findings suggest that my goal was to learn "clarity of language" and why using a "simple plain language" is vital in this kind of project.
Figure 1: Draft Proposal
MY ACTIONS
In order to find a solution to my problems, I used the Research Skills Development Framework (RSDF) to gain more insights on the "overall big picture". I discovered that the structure that were given by the professor fit (Level 1 - Prescribed Research), which means there was a lower level of independence when researching information. Before researching, I initially thought I had to compensate for my lack of knowledge in technical writing by being creative and thinking "out-of-the-box".
However, I discovered new insights by studying appropriate methodologies such as RSDF (FIGURE 2). It is the fact that this "draft proposal" needs prescribed research since it creates a restricted environment. The provided structure shown in (FIGURE 3). (i.e., title, method, specific tools, etc.) enables us to focus on explaining step-by-step process without any significant errors (Willison et al.). Altogether, I realized that when responding through a structured format, my information becomes more coherent and organized.
Figure 2:
Research Skills Development Framework
Figure 3:
Draft Proposal Outline
Structure
RESULTS
Overall, I learned that being inquisitive about a single idea makes it easier to see the relevance of what I'm doing. If I did not repeatedly ask why using a specific structure and approach matters, I would have been lost in finding my next actions.
Therefore, I concluded that using a structured approach is crucial in the draft proposal since the format allows you to focus on "making" rather than the abstract concept (O'Regan). From all these experiences, we can say that being a critical thinker means having the ability to clarify tasks using a structured approach. Why? This act of self-inquiry indicates that the individual can justify and know the relevance of their actions ("Critical Thinking | Skillsyouneed").
INITIAL TASK
CHECKPOINT 1 & 2
In the Fast Fix Project, the second and third phase was Checkpoint 1 and 2. During this process, I checked RSDF and discovered that finding and generating info requires (Level 3 Scaffolded Research). I needed to gather and input information with the most suited method for achieving my goals (Willison et al.).
In Checkpoint 1, I use mobile photography (e.g., iPhone 11 Max Pro), which means I had to search for videos about setting the aperture manually. This process is to confirm that my photos follow iFixit's standards and ensure that the images support instructions effectively.
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For checkpoint 2, I had to search for additional technical writing info to make sure my instructions connect with the intended audience.
MY ACTIONS
Figure 4:
Video describing the process of advanced search algorithm by using filters.
The challenges I faced when researching is finding the right content since some videos tend to “over-complicate” or use costly accessories. To fix this issue, I mainly used advanced search tools to collect more relevant data in less time. For instance, I use an option in google search engine that matches results precisely and filters out non-relevant or manipulated content (Young).
Also, for searching filters in videos, I set the length to less than 5 minutes and date within less than two years so that the steps are still compatible with my equipment.
RESULTS
Figure 5:
Video describing the process of setting manual aperture in iPhone 11 Max Pro
Altogether, Checkpoints 1 and 2 expanded my skills in initiating independent research. I was able to utilize different research algorithms (e.g., search filters for results, time, length) to make collecting and inputting information more efficient (Willison et al.)
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As a result, my images become much more coordinated and refined with the instructional text. I expanded my critical thinking skills by finding and generating info most suitably and efficiently. This condition enabled me to reach my aim of following technical conventions, according to iFixit.
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Therefore, this skill is an essential asset in the future since most operations involve the use of technology.
In future workplaces, there are many instances where information is mostly raw, unsorted and big data.
The employee must be able to adapt by using different search methodologies in reaching their aim. They must also recognize which method is the most appropriate since most info are time-sensitive. It is a highly demanded skill to be a critical thinker by finding and generating information that is valuable to the company.