Are critical thinking skills something you either have or you don't or can it be developed? If so what can I do to develop it before classes start in January? Thanks
Dec 10, '02
I think for most people critical thinking is something you either have or you don't have. However, they teach critical thinking at my school. Or they think they do anyway. There are books out there about critical thinking and reading one of those may help you understand what critical thinking is. Beyond that...I really think the only way to develop critical thinking skills is to practice using them.
Dec 10, '02
I believe both aquired and a learned trait. I aquired my critical thinking skills in healthcare as a result of years of practicing nursing.
Paula
Dec 10, '02
In my opinion...everyone has the potential for critical thinking,but enhances it by consistently stepping out of the box like we do each day. I have always been able to multi-task... but critical thinking is polished by experience & qd use.
Dec 10, '02
You can develop critical thinking skills. But it takes awhile. Good luck.
Dec 10, '02
I generally believe critical skills can be developed.
As a preceptor and charge nurse, I wish it was something I could give away, and it does seem that some have it and some don't. But I have to allow everyone their time, and that's what I'm there for.
I still develop my critical thinking day by day. Learning from each new experience.
Never let your guard down.
Dec 10, '02
I believe it is a combination of both learned and natural ability. If one can keep a open mind and has a desire for knowledge then applying critical thinking skills is both challenging and rewarding.
Dec 10, '02
I think a little of both. You can be naturally good at it, but I also think a person can, over time develop critical thinking skills. I'm sure it will take some time. But, with the differences in whatever situations you are put in, you will learn different ways to analyze.
Dec 10, '02
when you start taking the nursing exams and have to choose between 2 correct answers which is MOST correct....then you will fish or cut bait....if you understand what l just said...you're probably already one step ahead...LOL.....LR
Dec 10, '02
critical thinking means recognizing assumptions, separating out fact from opinion; being able to support ideas with evidence. It means knowing how you come to a conclusion.
Dec 10, '02
you gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run........sorry, just kidding.
Dec 10, '02
you develop critical thinking skills--- You are NOT BORN WITH THEM....YOU ARE BORN WITH POTENTIAL (or in another word: INTELLIGENCE...that's all it is, potential). What you DO with "potential"...is up to you.......the more you use your potential, the more developed it becomes. Critical thinking is developed over time and with practice. Use it or lose it.
Dec 10, '02
I think you need alittle of both. My critical thinking skills were okay at the beginning. today I critically think much better. two things that have made me a better critical thinker, #1 experiance, #2 working with people I trust to bounce mty rational off of if I am not sure.
Dec 10, '02Occupation: new Med-Surg RN Joined: Sep '02; Posts: 957; Likes: 5I think for most people critical thinking is something you either have or you don't have. However, they teach critical thinking at my school. Or they think they do anyway. There are books out there about critical thinking and reading one of those may help you understand what critical thinking is. Beyond that...I really think the only way to develop critical thinking skills is to practice using them.
Dec 10, '02Joined: Oct '02; Posts: 22; Likes: 1In my opinion...everyone has the potential for critical thinking,but enhances it by consistently stepping out of the box like we do each day. I have always been able to multi-task... but critical thinking is polished by experience & qd use.
Dec 10, '02Joined: Oct '02; Posts: 60,384; Likes: 16,559I generally believe critical skills can be developed.
Dec 10, '02Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,750; Likes: 16,271you develop critical thinking skills--- You are NOT BORN WITH THEM....YOU ARE BORN WITH POTENTIAL (or in another word: INTELLIGENCE...that's all it is, potential). What you DO with "potential"...is up to you.......the more you use your potential, the more developed it becomes. Critical thinking is developed over time and with practice. Use it or lose it.
