Exercises to Improve Critical Thinking Skills: What is Critical Thinking?

It is every freelance writer’s prerogative to take a stance as a critical thinker. Academics and scholars do it all the time. Many of the powerful, positive transitions around the globe since the beginning of history, have come into being because of new skills learned and employed by critical thinkers.

According to Dan Kurland on criticalthinking.com, “critical thinking includes a complex combination of skills.”

In other words, critical thinking is not just a skill in itself. It is always possible to improve critical thinking skills. It is also possible for almost anyone to learn new skills with time, effort and the sincere desire to do so.

Critical thinkers have three things in common, according to Kurland. They are “skeptical”, “active” and “open” to new ideas.

Based upon these three concepts, there are exercises anyone can do in order to improve his or her critical thinking skills. 

Be skeptical:

To be skeptical does not necessarily mean to assume as stance of radical, destructive thinking. Being skeptical is not necessarily being critical in a negative or adverse manner, either. Rather, it entails truth seeking that discerns the scope and reality of that which lies under scrutiny and is thus subject to inquiry.

Criticism of anything takes on a much broader approach, when a critical thinker looks at it from every possible direction. Examining things further and in more depth, frequently sheds new light on them. For example, evolution reveals continual change in one direction, while de-evolution allows its possibility in another direction. No judgment is required, but rather, ongoing inquiry is essential to discern the truth.

Be active:

Being active, as opposed to being non-active, allows room for continual progression of thought, with all of its further implications. Taking and maintaining a passive stand, instead of one that is active or even pro-active, leads nowhere and does not acknowledge thought processes within the scope of their full light. The active mind continues to grow which leads to new skill development, whereas otherwise, it tends to lie dormant. 

Active thought has room for past, present and even future thought development. New skills can stand upon a base formed by earlier skills.  

Be open:

Being open to new ideas enables a potential critical thinker to prioritize and place his or her thought processes in a wide variety of formats that can result in the formation of new concepts, enabling even more skill development in the future.

Being skeptical, active and open, addresses many of the concerns associated with closed minds. Note that closed minds may be skeptical and active in a negative or adverse manner. 

Being open in one’s thought processes, either as a freelancer, a scholar or an academic, also opens the full realm of possibility.

When Leapfrogging in Helium to Get a Better Ranking: Leapfrogging a 'One Liner'

Beginning an article with a ‘one liner’ often attracts the attention of readers. Many professional writers regard this as an effective writing technique, but because of transitions at helium.com, the use of a ‘one liner’ will not be an effective writing technique, in the near future. In fact, Helium writers will need to leapfrog articles that have a ‘one liner’ to improve their ratings and earnings.   

This recent comment in an e-mail from helium.com, offers a suggestion as to what to look at when leapfrogging at Helium.

“If you can edit your articles to get rid of a ‘one liner’ at the top of an article, this will help the presentation of your work.”

Ideally, the best possible presentation of your work is what you want to accomplish because it will draw your readership, as well as increase your ratings and potential earnings. It should also make your writing more marketable.   

The reason for this change is that when the Helium transition is complete, a ‘one liner’ may appear to make the original title, the headline and a first liner appear to be three titles. This could be confusing for readers. It may make it difficult to locate articles on the website.

How can a Helium writer improve upon a ‘one liner’ writing technique?

Shifting the writing focus from a ‘one liner’ to real life knowledge at the beginning of an article, does have merit. While a ‘one liner’ may appear profound, inspirational, thought provoking, proverbial or even comedic in nature, the inclusion of actual knowledge instead of a ‘one liner’ at the beginning of an article will make the freelance writer’s article more marketable, as it will draw the reader to the real life topic under discussion, immediately.  

Search engine optimization (SEO) emphasis at the beginning of an article makes it more accessible on search engines. Someone searching for a particular topic can find it more easily when key words and key phrases are located right at the beginning of an article.  Placing them in the content or body of the article again later, may also prove to be of benefit.  

Is there an appropriate time and place for a ‘one liner’?

A 'one liner' can have its time and place. The initial statement in a helium.com article should not be a ‘one liner’. Appropriate placement later in the article does make sense.      

Teacher Tips on How to Help The Day Dreamer: Where Does the Daydreamer Go?

Every teacher has at least one student who tends to be a daydreamer, at least some of the time. Some students are inclined to daydream more than others. Understanding the nature of daydreaming and being aware of how you as a teacher or parent can help a daydreamer, may prove to be important in terms of his or her education.

Where can you find a daydreamer?

Walk into any classroom unobtrusively and you will see the majority of students engaged in various kinds of activities. Some will be continuously busy, while one student may sit and gaze off into some unknown, vast horizon of thought. Perhaps he or she is taking a quick trip into his or her daydream world, maybe musing, or aspiring towards greatness. Maybe he or she is locked into, possibly lost in a nondescript void.

“Children who suffer from inattention disorder often daydream or look out of windows. Girls suffer from inattention disorder more than boys do. Those who have an inattention disorder get labeled as: preoccupied, lazy, spacey, couch potatoes, slow, etc.”

Inattention disorder is another expression used for a daydreamer, but it must be distinguished from “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

Normally, students dream at night, while the daydreamer is awake, but appears to be out of touch with reality for a time, during the day.        

What is a daydream?

The freedictionary.com suggests that a daydream is an experience that is “a dreamlike musing or fantasy while awake, especially of the fulfillment of wishes or hopes.”

Everyone has hopes and dreams and that is a good thing, not something to be frowned upon by others, including teachers and parents, who become exasperated by daydreamers. Daydreaming becomes problematic when a daydreamer does not accomplish his or her day-to-day tasks. Helping a daydreamer involves bringing him or her back into touch with reality, where he or she can function appropriately.

Consider the following suggestions:

Approach the daydreamer gently, quietly and cautiously, so as not to startle him or her. Perhaps touch him or her gently on his or her shoulder.

Ask the daydreamer what he or she is thinking about at that moment in time, when he or she responds. Invite the daydreamer to share his or her thoughts, ideas or goals with others.

Depending upon the response you receive, you may need to ascertain whether the student is daydreaming, or if something else is happening with him or her. 

At times, a medical assessment may prove beneficial. Note that what appears to be a daydreamer may be a student who is exhausted and falling asleep in class. He or she may have blood glucose problems like hypoglycemia and need medical attention. He or she may also have consumed a large amount of sugar and become sleepy from it. What appears to be daydreaming may also be indicative of a seizure disorder.

For parents and teachers alike, it is important to keep a record of when and where the daydreaming activity appears to be happening. Noting the symptoms may make a diagnosis with appropriate treatment, possible.

At times, daydreaming may indicate boredom in class or a low attention span that resolves itself over time.

Teachers and parents need to regain the attention of the daydreamer who tends to drift off repeatedly. Placing him or her in an active environment or a part of the classroom where there is a better flow of oxygen, may make a difference. Occasional time-out breaks can help a daydreamer.

There are many things parents and teachers can do to help daydreamers. Remember that they too, may have been daydreamers at one time or another; perhaps they still are and understand where daydreamers go in their imaginary travels or musings.

Elements of a Good Quote: Discerning Good Quotes From Others

Freelance writers and others recognize a good quote when they see one. They learn how to employ it effectively and appropriately in a wide variety of literary projects, in order to accomplish a specific purpose. When used appropriately, a simple quote can make a more powerful statement than an entire article.

Understanding what a good quote is can help freelance writers use it appropriately. In many ways, a good quote is like putting the finishing touches on a piece of artwork.

“The artist is the only one who knows that the world is a subjective creation, that there is a choice to be made, a selection of elements, ” a quotation by Anais Nin.

What is a quote?

Thefreedictionary.com suggests that to quote something is “to repeat or copy the words of (another), usually with acknowledgment of the source” or “to cite or refer to for illustration or proof.” It is also used within the context of “to repeat a brief passage or excerpt” or “to state (a price) for securities, goods, or services”.

For freelance writers and others, a good quote entails a judgment thereof and offers a number of unique elements including the following:

Truth:

Truth rings true in every era. Truth in the form of a brief, unique and different literary statement, has the power to touch and change the lives of people over different generations. People value truth and statements that ring true to them. These are the ones they hold dear or treasure. 

Timeliness or timelessness:

Writers in every era have created quotes that live on, as there appears to be an element of timeliness and timelessness to them. In other words, at almost any time and in any part of the world, they can be quoted and be appropriate for that time and place.  

Profundity:

Quotes reiterated throughout the ages offer simple but profound messages that strike an inner cord touching the hearts and minds of people, mentally, emotionally and often spiritually.    

Inspiration:

Good quotes offer inspiration to others, even those who may have difficulty understanding other methods of expression or communication.

Openness to interpretation: 

A good quote is open to a multiplicity of different kinds of interpretation. Many of them have double meanings or many meanings, on different levels of thought.

Other important aspects of quotes include the following:

Use of quotation marks:

The use of quotation marks identifies a quote as such and draws attention to it. It can also signify a voice that is speaking.   

Accuracy of literary source:

The accuracy of its literary source confirms the validity of a good quote. There are quotes that have unknown or anonymous sources, difficult to track down in terms of actual origin or authorship. Quotes may change meanings when translated in other languages, so accuracy of source is always important. Avoiding plagiarism is important when using any quote.     

There are quotes and then there are good quotes, the ones that are better than others. Working with different quotes over time in terms of literary projects, will assist a freelance writer to discern between the two.     

When is Relevancy Important in Freelance Writing? Freelance Writing and Relevancy

Freelance writers do not always have clear, distinct or concise guidelines when writing articles for publication on the Internet. In terms of context, what they write may go many possible directions. This becomes problematic when their writing has no relevancy or is not relevant in terms of what is required for publication.

What is relevancy?

Dictionary.com suggests that the word relevancy means “The condition of being relevant, or connected with the matter at hand.”

What does being relevant or connected mean?

The word relevant refers to being “pertinent”.

Consider the following writing tips regarding when relevancy is important in freelance writing.

Search engine optimization (SEO):

Freelance writers who understand search engine optimization, look for key words and phrases that offer potential directives in terms of publication expectations. One or more of these may be evident in the requested topic.

These key words or phrases provide appropriate guidelines in terms of topic relevancy. Adhering to them, as well as developing them further throughout an article, should make and keep an article pertinent. Key words and phrases lead to appropriate research for articles.

Publication format:

Being familiar with, or knowing and understanding publishing format is important in terms of freelance writing relevancy. For example, an Internet publisher may be requesting articles with a specified format. Adherence to that format increases the likelihood of publication and sales, while veering away from that specified format may result in rejection of an article, even though on its own, the article may have substantial merit. Improper formatting may cause an article to lose its relevancy.

Chronological implications:

Chronology has important implications in terms of freelance writing relevancy. Addressing chronological issues appropriately, will lead an Internet publisher to accept articles because they are pertinent for the anticipated time frame. When articles do not adhere to a time frame, they stand to lose their relevancy. In other words, one cannot substitute outdated articles for those that should reveal an eye to the future. The same holds true for articles written with reference to specific places. Accuracy is important.            

Article placement:

Appropriate article placement is important in terms of freelance writing relevancy. An experienced freelance writer should be able to recognize when an article he or she has written is appropriate or relevant for a specific website.

Submitting articles to an inappropriate website can lead to frustration on the part of the freelance writer, as well as the potential publisher. When there is a question about article relevancy, the onus is on the freelance writer to find out from the potential publisher what website is appropriate.

Understanding relevancy is critical for freelance writer success with respect to potential article publication and sales. At times, trial and error can result in the growth of a freelance writer’s learning curve, but that is learning the hard way. Appropriate article management can help to prevent many relevancy issues.  
        

How to Create Processes Within A Business That Stimulate Innovative Thinking: Progress is the Goal

At the heart of any progressive business are processes that stimulate innovative thinking. New and ongoing growth is dependent upon innovative thought by employers and employees. Thus, the question becomes one of how to create processes within a business that stimulate innovative thinking.

Understanding what processes are will prove beneficial in terms of stimulating innovative thinking.

The businessdictionary.com defines the word process as

“Sequence of interdependent and linked procedures which, at every stage, consume one or more resources (employee time, energy, machines, money) to convert inputs (data, material, parts, etc.) into outputs. These outputs then serve as inputs for the next stage until a known goal or end result is reached”.

What can employers do to encourage their employees to become innovative thinkers?

An employer who is receptive to new thoughts and ideas from employees is more likely to stimulate innovative thinking than one who chooses to ignore or stifle them in this regard. Encouraging new thoughts and ideas invariably opens up or expands new horizons for business.

An employer regularly practicing brainstorming with his or her employees shows receptivity to new thoughts and ideas with respect to the business in question. While not every new thought or idea is necessarily appropriate or something to act upon, brainstorming can lead a business into innovative transitions that will benefit the business, as well as the employer and employees.

Selectivity is important when it comes to new thoughts and ideas. When an employer is selective about the kinds of thoughts and ideas that he or she chooses to act upon, employees sense it. This also gives them some idea of the direction the business is heading. Breaking free of traditional thought allows new thoughts and ideas to surface.

While what has worked in the past may still be appropriate in the present and on into the future, there is usually room for progress. Note that employers and employees often struggle with transition from traditional thought to non-traditional thought, at least until they see and understand that there are better ways of doing business. Setting new goals has the potential to be progressive.

Incentives like promotions and bonuses from employers encourage innovative leaders in any business, as well as separate them from their non-innovative followers.

Caution is always important, as an employee who appears to be a non-innovative thinker may not feel significant enough to bring forth new thoughts and ideas. Every employee should have an equal opportunity to present new thoughts and ideas without mockery, ridicule or having to suffer any kind of reprisal.

Be aware that the ultimate goal of innovation is progress. Innovative thoughts and ideas lead to and often ensure progress. The investment of time and energy to create processes that stimulate innovation normally prove worthwhile.

The Importance of Compliance in the Work Place: Compliance Versus Non-compliance

Compliance in the work place can make or break a business and thus, its importance in a business of any size should not be under-estimated.

Employers and employees often enter into disputes or controversies that involve issues of compliance versus non-compliance in the work place. While an employer needs and insists upon compliance in a work place, employees may not always comprehend its necessity or significance. At the heart of many work place problems lies non-compliance. 

Understanding what compliance means may prove beneficial to employers and employees. 

What does the word comply mean?

The freedictionary.com defines the word comply as “to act in accordance with another's command, request, rule, or wish” or in a more obsolete context, “to be courteous or obedient”.

Employers are not dictators, but at times strong measures can help to ensure employee compliance.

What is the businessdictionary.com definition of compliance?  

“Certification or confirmation that the doer of an action (such as the writer of an audit report), or the manufacturer or supplier of a product, meets the requirements of accepted practices, legislation, prescribed rules and regulations, specified standards, or the terms of a contract.”

Not all employees conform to the wishes of their employers and some choose not to do so, preferring their own way. Repeated non-compliance can lead to disciplinary measures or dismissal, so compliance becomes increasingly important for those who want to retain their jobs in a work place. 

Non-compliance can lead to a breach of contract placing a company, business or organization in jeopardy, by creating an awkward or difficult situation. 

Most businesses try to operate on an optimal business plan that does not allow room for non-compliance. In fact, departure from that business plan can throw any business into chaos. Where the importance of compliance in a place of employment is recognized, employees find personal and collective recognition. With added incentives like promotions or bonuses, they can be motivated to become more proactive in terms of compliance, which may include basic courtesy and obedience.  

Those doing business with other work places are under the obligation of mutual compliance, or they may suffer immediate and permanent contract termination based upon non-compliance. Any business can refuse to do business with another work place, company or organization, if there are found to be questionable business practices or a lack of integrity. 

Where there are ethical principles and practice that relate to compliance, the work place tends to functions in a peaceful manner and thus, with respect to business issues, compliance in the work place is important.