Mary's Question

In Mary's blog, she asked the question: Is it rational to think critically about something that may not happen, or is that just using your imagination?

To me, critical thinking can apply to any situation whether the situation exists in the real world or even if it is just a situation existing only in the mind. The idea of critical thinking is to utilize one's awareness of the thinking process to improve one's life. If an individual is thinking critically about possible solutions to problems that have not yet presented themselves, but may have the potential to present themselves, then that individual is preparing to use his/her thinking and reasoning skills to improve his/her life. Imagination may play a role in this process, but overall, critical thinking is taking place.

This leads me to answer a follow-up question: Have you ever encountered a situation where you have used both your imagination and critical thinking skills to solve a problem? If so, have you found that imagination and critical thinking go hand-in-hand?

Education in Society

In an interview, Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, revealed his thoughts on education in society and the role schools play within society. According to Duncan, schools should become community centers in which students spend most of their day. The students should complete academic work first, and then participate in activities after school such as sports and arts. The school should also function to bring families together by offering classes for adults after school and by developing family-oriented activities and get-togethers. Do you agree with Duncan's views on the role education should play in society? If not, why?

Critical Thinking in Education

The subject of critical thinking in education has sparked some interesting discussion in class. One topic that I find captivating is the issue of student treatment by administrators and the idea that students have become discouraged in the classroom. As pointed out in discussion, students have a tendency to rebel against the expectations placed on them, and as a result, miss out on the opportunity to learn. Perhaps students feel that by not learning, they are "getting back" at the administrators, who simply want to pass the students along and be rid of them. In an essay posted on the Foundation for Critical Thinking website, the beliefs of Socrates are described, as well as his views on critical thinking. Socrates wanted to teach his students to question those in authority as they educate themselves. If students followed the advice of Socrates, they could change their predicaments and empower themselves with knowledge, rather than dismiss education. If students understood the power that can be gained with knowledge, would they maintain a higher value of education?