Skills and ways of thinking. Creative Thinking Exercises

comprehensively developed person it is impossible to imagine without critical thinking - an element that allows him to form his own view of things and not depend on the opinions of others. It contributes personal growth and motivate people to develop. Analysis of the situation and the choice of a solution is the ability of a person, without which it is impossible to have an opinion. How to develop critical thinking?

To learn how to think critically, you need to practice all the time. You can start developing at any age. By training thinking, a person is able to reach new level development and move closer to achieving goals.

Training the mind and following the intended path is not as easy as it seems. But by defining life goals and developing a plan for their implementation with the help of critical thinking, a person is able to achieve success.

How to start developing thinking

For training thinking, you need to set aside time that a person usually wastes. To do this, you need to analyze the daily routine. For the development of thinking, time that was previously spent on:

  • watching TV;
  • computer games;
  • social networks.

The first step to developing critical thinking is daily holding analysis. At the end of the day, it is necessary to weigh and study the achievements made during the day. The number of misses must also be taken into account. The analysis should consist in identifying the actions during the execution of which errors were made. Having identified the shortcomings over the past day, you should think about how they can be eliminated. In the end, it is necessary to draw a conclusion whether what happened brought closer to the goal or moved away from it. Based on these simple actions thinking develops, which later develops into critical thinking. Records can be kept to identify recurring activities.

It is necessary to solve 1 task per day. Hurrying to work, on the way you need to outline some main problem and try to solve it during the day. A person should strive to get as much as possible more information, contributing to the solution of the corresponding problem. To solve the problem, you need to analyze various options and choose the best one. Having determined the action plan, you need to stick to the strategy. If in the course of solving the problem circumstances change, it is necessary to promptly make changes to the plan. In the process of solving problems, one should develop intelligence, attentiveness, logic.

Development of critical thinking skills

Thinking skills should be approached critically. It is worth revisiting them if they lead to undesirable consequences. We must try to think positively and not allow negative thoughts. For, a person must learn:

Having decided to develop critical thinking, a person must draw a line between conclusions and observation. You can't argue without checking the information. Only having accurate information, you can draw conclusions. At the same time, during training, you should ensure that the sense of humor does not disappear. The ability to make fun of yourself and see the humor in situations helps to keep clear mind and unobtrusively expressing their opinion about the problem. But care must be taken if laughter is used as a psychological defense.

Self Improvement Skills

To learn to think critically, a person must care about everything. There are many unexplored things in life. Curiosity develops the mind. Through curiosity, discoveries happen, adventures happen. He who has developed the ability to be interested in what is happening will not only develop critical warehouse mind, but will also make your life richer and more diverse.

Every inhabitant of the modern world must develop an objective perception of information. You can not completely trust everything that is said in the media, television advertising. It is necessary to take a sober look at reality and check the information that causes mistrust. The truth is established in the course of thinking, and not under the influence of public opinion. Not everything that is supposed to be true is true. It is necessary to learn to resist violent emotions. When they manifest, a person's mind can be obscured.

Developing a critical mindset and modern society

A person living in modern society, constantly trying to impose someone else's opinion. Be critical of information obtained from:

  • advertising;
  • the mouth of the agitators.

Information disseminated among people is not always true. It is necessary to learn to distinguish truth from lies and not to trust everything blindly.

A person must be mindful of perspectives. Any situation should be evaluated critically, and the action plan should be thought out soberly. Do not overestimate or underestimate self-esteem. It is required to soberly understand your capabilities and act on them. At the same time, self-improvement should be practiced. Reading books, playing sports, getting new information and learning skills can take a person to the next level. It happens that human behavior is dictated unspoken rules. Their knowledge leads to correct decision and behavior. In an unfamiliar situation or being in a foreign culture, it is necessary to be observant or ask those who are closer familiar with the situation. The unspoken rules the modern world needs to be studied.

The conversation is only integral part communication that occurs daily communication between people. There is an exchange of non-verbal signs. It is necessary to know and be able to apply a variety of communication in practice. If a person smiles sweetly and behaves friendly, but at the same time seeks to cause pain to the interlocutor when shaking hands, one should question the sincerity this person. If the listener claims that he is interested in the story, but at the same time openly yawns and shows boredom with his whole appearance, the speaker has a good reason to doubt the words.

If a person is under pressure, then in order not to make a mistake in making a decision, one should stop and think, weighing all the pros and cons. Fast decision under someone else's pressure is not always true. By learning to analyze before trusting, a person will make big step towards the development of critical thinking.

Feelings and ability to think critically

To learn to think critically, a person must strive not to give in to feelings and public opinion. Labels and stereotypes can be confusing and lead to wrong conclusions. Before acceptance important decision, you should learn as much as possible about all its aspects.

Negativity is a feeling that can confuse anyone. Often a person is too critical of himself. We must try to replace the negative with the positive. This will not only have a beneficial effect on the decision, but also increase self-esteem.

Having embarked on the path of self-development, one should not forget about universal feelings. It is impossible to condemn others without understanding the specific situation and actions of another person in certain conditions. With empathy, you can make the right decision. Having condemned a person without understanding the situation, you can later regret it very much. When deciding someone's fate, you should put yourself in his place. Trying to understand the behavior of other people, you can learn to think and make decisions correctly.

Facts affecting decision, must be repeatedly checked. There should be many points for analysis. At not enough facts, the decision may be wrong. Get as much information as possible from reliable sources.

An important skill is the ability to listen. Often a person asks a question and the other simply skips over his words. Preoccupation with thoughts does not allow you to concentrate and delve into important things. This simple skill is very difficult to develop. If you listen carefully, you can get more useful and important information.

Learning to think illogically

Philosophical books describe logical thinking, as well as an example of its distortion. AT modern world creativity and originality are valued. It is necessary to understand this and soberly evaluate life examples.

During the development of a critical train of thought, the 6th sense can come to the rescue. Guesses about things, events, actions exist at the subconscious level. Intuition is not subject to logic, but it is valuable as an adjunct to decision making.

Benefits of being able to think critically

Critical thinking is believed to be natural process, the usual train of thought. However, in life situations people deviate from it . To educate and develop thinking means to improve the quality of life, to accept right decisions and achieve success in life. The course of thought forms the correct view of the world and develops logic.

The development of thinking provides many benefits. These include:

  • ability to do correct conclusions;
  • the ability to collect the necessary information;
  • the ability to justify and reason;
  • the ability to clearly understand the problem;
  • ability to use ideas;
  • interaction with people;
  • ability to use alternative thinking.

Having developed a critical mindset, a person begins to think in a direction, correcting his conclusions. This thinking is different from the standards and allows you to solve complex problems.

When we cannot achieve our goals using natural, automatic reactions, we begin to reflect and thus find a way out.

Features of the development of thinking

Development and formation of thinking, passes gradually. At each stage of development are reflected and individual characteristics person, and age.
The human mind develops in different directions. They share many kinds of thinking. Some depend on others for lesser degree(for example, theoretical and practical), in some cases, one is a consequence of the other, and develops when new information is received. But the development of one will certainly lead to the improvement of the others.
Thinking - holistic process which both intellectual and creative thinking can provide. In the first case, the leading role is played by logic, in the second case, the subconscious mind.

Methods for the development of thinking

Development of thinking takes place as a result of the acquisition of new information as they grow up and develop in Everyday life while gaining life experience. In this case, the development process can be considered as a natural process.
Development of thinking goes the same way with systematic, intentional learning. This process is conditionally considered unnatural. Although, today it is impossible to distinguish between these options, and both of them should be applied, both in the formation of a child and beyond. adulthood.

Practical exercises for the development of thinking

For the development of thinking, it is necessary not only to accumulate life experience, it's the same permanent job. We suggest using several intellectual games or exercises for the development of thinking that will be of interest to both children and adults.

List as much as you can. more items, which can be characterized by any word. For example, red, soft, smooth, etc.
Make the first task more difficult and list words that can be characterized by several properties: warm and heavy, light and cold, etc.
For a few minutes, list words in which not a single letter is repeated: blacksmith, grade, raglan, cabinet, etc.

To develop creative thinking, do the following exercises:

Make chains of words. For example, the chain of nouns in nominative case, which use the same letters as the previous one, adding one letter. For example: hell, garden, hail, warehouse, etc. Also take a few minutes to do this.
You can read and write phrases using only vowels. As in the well-known spellings of TCHK and ZPT. Period and comma.

Exercises for the development of thinking: the development of the imagination

Imagine some geometric bodies: for example, a cube, a pyramid, an octahendron, etc. Do not try to immediately recreate the image. Imagine and study each of its facets, in your imagination carry out actions with them, consider them from all sides. Feel their volume.
List as much as you can. more words, corresponding to the set requirements, for example, all words must consist of a certain number of letters, and the third (or any other) let it be the letter A (B, C, etc.). You must get a chain like paint, dress, rake, etc.
Make a chain of words consisting of the same number of letters that differ in only one. Moreover, the remaining letters cannot be interchanged. Example: soup, court, garden, fret, etc.
Choose any word and list as many synonyms as possible for it.

Exercises for the development of associative thinking

Pick up a few nouns and list the words of association to them. First, adjectives, then verbs. “Turn over” the task: select adjectives, and associations with verbs and nouns to them, then select associations for verbs.
Choose any word, come up with as many analogues as possible for it, or rather, objects that are similar to it. Classify these words according to the properties in which they are similar. For example, the Word plane: rocket and airship also aircrafts, bird and dragonfly also fly, etc.
Describe an object or phenomenon in words that define its significant features and do not fit any other.

repeat exercises for the development of thinking, as often as possible, complicating or slightly changing the conditions, it does not take much time, but it gives significant results.

Working with people who have not art education, I found that every sane person is capable of learning to draw - with the same probability as learning to read. It is only necessary to master the basic skills of perception - the special powers of observation necessary for drawing. I affirm that every person is capable of learning enough see, to draw with a high degree similarities to what he sees in the real world.

When you learn perceptual skills, the scope of their application can vary, as does the scope of the speech and arithmetic skills you have learned. Some people stay devoted to art and eventually become an artist, just as someone stays devoted to language or mathematics and becomes a writer or mathematician. But just about anyone can use perception skills - again, as well as speaking and math skills - to improve their skills. thinking.

Doing next step, I will say that perceptual skills are deeply woven into all five stages creative process. I also state that visual-perceptual skills can be improved by training, just as verbal-analytical skills are improved by training. Finally, I state that by learning to see and draw, a person effectively trains his system of vision, just as he effectively trains his speech system by learning to read and write. But these are two different systems. And when they are trained as equal partners, one mode of thought reinforces the other, and together they are able to unleash Creative skills person.

At present, our culture does not give us enough opportunities for this kind of training. We are accustomed to think through the speech system of the brain, and this mode has proven its effectiveness over many centuries. But only now are we beginning to understand the complex dual work human brain, verbal and visual, which opens up new possibilities for us. As I imagine it, the process of opening the doors of perception and releasing the potential for creative activity is ambiguous: it involves, firstly, the elimination of the constraining concept of talent as a necessary condition for mastering basic perception skills, and secondly, teaching and learning based on new knowledge about how the brain works.

My requirements are very modest: if you can catch a baseball, thread a needle, or write your name with a pencil, then you can also learn to draw skillfully, beautifully and creatively. By learning to draw perceived objects or people, you will learn to see in a new way that will allow you to master the principles of creative thinking and problem solving - just as when you learn to read, you acquire verbal knowledge and master the principles of logical, analytical thinking. By using these two modes together, you can learn to think more productively, whatever your creative goals. Products of your creative response to the world will be only yours, yours personal trace in the history of mankind. And you will take a huge step towards acquiring contemporary brain. I believe that in the near future, perceptual skills combined with verbal skills will be seen as a prerequisite for creative thinking.

Through learning to draw observed objects and people, you can learn new ways of seeing. Drawing by student Kevin Bresnahan" street scene, November 7, 1984


Every day man is confronted with life tasks that need to be solved logically. This may include correct construction work schedule, official moments and even personal life. It would seem that everything is quite simple: exclude unimportant details, focus on serious aspects, thereby correctly setting priorities. However, in practice, the situation requires some effort. You can develop logic on your own, without signing up for special courses. Let's consider all the nuances in more detail.

Logical thinking: what is it?

The concept of "logical thinking" is easier to explain if we break the phrase into "logic" and "thinking". Let's try to figure it out together, highlighting the main thing.

Logics
The concept comes from the Greek “reasoning”, “thought”, “the art of reasoning correctly”, “the science of thinking”. Let's analyze the concept, taking as a basis the science of right thinking. It consists of several aspects, such as the laws, methods and forms of the human intellect, namely his thoughts.

Logic is needed in order to achieve truth in the process of reasoning. Thanks to active brain activity, a certain scheme is launched that leads a person to the end point. The result is taken not by intuition, but from previously acquired knowledge.

For this reason, logic is often referred to as a science that allows you to reach conclusions through many conclusions and their connection. The main task of logic is the generalization of the available fragments together. As a result, a person receives true knowledge regarding the subject of reflection.

Thinking

The concept is directly related to mental activity person. It forces you to process information at a subconscious level. This must be done in order to establish a connection between the objects under study, to highlight their forms and meaning among other bodies of the environment.

Thinking allows you to find a connection between aspects of reality. However, in order for the process to take place at the “correct” level, one must think objectively. That is, before the main tasks, it is important to put yourself at the center of the current process, and not to watch everything from the outside. Objective or logical thinking must obey the basic laws of logic.

Logical thinking
From the foregoing, we can conclude what "logical thinking" is. As a result thought process the person applies the knowledge acquired earlier. Then, by inference, they are processed. All structures are connected in a logical chain in order. Conclusions are not based on assumptions, but on clear evidence, facts, prudence, objectivity, general laws logic. Ultimately, on the basis of the existing premises, the truth is obtained.

Why develop logical thinking

It is human nature to process information through brainstorming. Simply put, all people think this is a completely natural process. Thinking allows you to build a chain of personal behavior, draw the right conclusions in a given situation, and take action. Such aspects play important role in situations where a decision is urgently needed. Ultimately, the goal will be achieved through logical reasoning.

When you fully learn the art of analyzing information, issues will be resolved many times faster. Through the proper collection and processing of information, you can build long term with regards to own actions. Such aspects help people feel comfortable in any situation. You will calculate in advance the possible nuances, then immediately exclude them in your head by searching for a new solution. You always need to think logically, no matter if you are at work or at home.

The greatest minds of the world annually bring out new ways of developing logical thinking. Experienced business trainers politicians, psychologists - they all help people develop. The most relevant ways to achieve what you want are puzzles aimed at the manifestation of logic. Also effective are games, a set of exercises for objective thinking, reading scientific and fiction, the study foreign languages.

Method number 1. Reading

  1. Many people know that books allow you to gain wisdom, become a versatile and well-read person. However, success can only be achieved through artistic or scientific literature. It is in such publications that there is more knowledge than in numerous reference books.
  2. To develop logical thinking, read at least 10 sheets daily. At the same time, it is important to analyze each line, gradually accumulating information in your head. The brain is selective, so a certain moment you can retrieve the information you need.
  3. In the process of reading, analyze the chapters, try to think logically from the very beginning. Bet on how the book will end, how this or that character will act in specific situation. A. Conan Doyle's book "Sherlock Holmes" is considered a world bestseller. The work helps to develop logical thinking and pass the evening in a pleasant company.

Method number 2. Games

  1. The most common games aimed at developing logical thinking are checkers and chess. In the process of rivalry, opponents calculate their actions many steps ahead. It is this move that allows you to win, nothing else. It is not difficult to learn tactics, it is enough to devote 2-3 hours daily to this matter. As the age of technology leaves its mark on society, you can play on a computer, phone or tablet. At the same time, you will have access to the logic simulator around the clock, regardless of the place and other "live" rivals.
  2. The next most popular game is Scrabble. Many have heard about it since childhood. Linguistic trainer for people who have little vocabulary and slow logic. As a result of manipulations, you will learn how to make words from existing letters, laying them out in certain sequence. As in the previous case, you can play on a PC or smartphone. In addition to the development of logic, you will become more concentrated, attentive.
  3. To improve logical thinking, you can play with words. There are several variations of such an adventure, we will consider them in order. Some prefer to name one long word (the number of letters is from 10), after which the task of other participants is to compose other words from the “raw materials”. The one with the highest number wins. The second option is as follows: a person calls a word, the next one says another word, starting with the last letter of the previous one. For example, you said "sailor", the opponent answered "apartment".
  4. The World Wide Web is literally full of various banners that offer to go to the site from logical riddles. Similar move will develop thinking not only in adults, but also in children. Also popular games are crossword puzzles, sudoku, rebuses, reversi. Download applications on your smartphone that help develop logical thinking. Such a move will train the brain in public transport or in a traffic jam. This is much more useful than studying flyers and tired faces of people.
  5. Take a closer look at games like Rubik's Cube or backgammon, collect puzzles, play poker. Thanks to increased concentration, memory and logical thinking develop. The World Wide Web allows you to play without a second partner, which is an indisputable plus. You can solve the Rubik's Cube while resting between classes or during your lunch break. The main thing in any business is regularity. Perform simple manipulations daily to achieve maximum results.

Method number 3. Exercises

  1. Mathematical problems and logical chains from the school (institute) program will help you develop logic quickly enough. Find old textbooks and start manipulating. Perform the exercise daily for 30-60 minutes. It will be especially difficult for the humanities, for whom mathematics is a bone in the throat. An analogue is the search for analogies or deciphering anagrams.
  2. Consider an exercise that consists in orderly building words or phrases of the same topic. the main task is as follows: you need to build words from smallest to largest. That is, the first designation characterizes specific view, and the latter is a generalized concept. Let's take the word "violet" as an example. Violet - name - flower - plant. The more words you pick up and arrange them in one chain, the more logical thinking will be involved. The complex must be performed at least 2 times a day for 15 minutes.
  3. Another exercise is aimed not only at logical thinking, but also at the development intellectual abilities, mindfulness, observation, concentration and general perception. main essence it is generally accepted that you need to determine how correctly the conclusion is drawn. Is it logical, based on the connection between judgments.

For example: “Cats meow. Alice is a cat, so she can meow!” The judgment is logically correct. If we talk about the wrong logic, then it looks like this: “Woolen clothes are warm. Boots are also warm, so they are made of wool! Misjudgment, boots may not be made of wool, but their thermal qualities will exceed all expectations.

This exercise is often used by parents when working with children. It is important to ask your child to explain this or that conclusion. In this case, the child will quickly come to the desired conclusion.

Method number 4. Foreign language

  1. It is known that new information received activates brain activity, as a result of which all processes take place on the highest level. The sounds of foreign languages ​​will make you think logically, make associations between native and foreign speech.
  2. Find an online course on the Internet or download video lessons, practice daily. Sign up for language school, learn thoroughly English, Spanish or even Chinese.
  3. The effect of the acquired knowledge will not keep you waiting. In addition, you will be able to travel around the countries, talking freely with local residents. Communicate in chats and forums with the inhabitants of Europe or America, develop the acquired knowledge.

It is difficult enough to develop logical thinking, but the procedure cannot be called unrealistic. Consider popular games such as backgammon, checkers, chess, poker. Decide math problems, build logical chains using electronic resources, learn foreign languages.

Video: how to develop logic and speed of thinking

Have you ever wondered what thinking skills distinguish successful people from the rest? Here are 10 thinking skills of successful people that make them different:

positive thinking

Successful people understand that their mentality can affect every aspect of their lives, including their success. Researchers have found that positive thinking opens people up to the ability to develop new skills that can have a compounding effect among happy people that repeat this process. For example, if you develop the habit of working for pleasure and doing everything well, this will lead you to the beginning of success. positive thinking may have numerous health benefits: increased life expectancy, reduced depression, resistance to colds and illness. They also develop skills to deal with stress.

Using risk-based thinking

Very successful leaders dreaming bigger than anyone else. When you are convinced and dare to take a step where others do not notice, you will admire your risk and have more.

Conclusion - Thinking

To get what you need, you need to determine the exact conclusion or hypothesis using the information you have at your disposal.
Imagine yourself as a business manager. Are you looking in latest forecast sale, and you see that the sale is down. It is important for you to understand that Additional Information may be needed to find out why this happened; including identification internal problems, external competition or even economic conditions. Ability to understand information and find the best solution is an important skill for you, no matter what area of ​​your career you are in.

Focused thinking

Concentrated thinking closes and eliminates interference, which allows you to concentrate on business. When you are able to focus your thinking, you can clearly see your goals and results.

Analytical thinking

The analytical mind presupposes the conscious direction of our mental processes to find a solution to a given problem. It is the ability to overcome obstacles in order to find a solution. Being analytically smart determines the ability to solve problems effectively.
Successful leaders spend their time questioning what they know and what they don't know. When you ask, you get knowledge; when you get knowledge, you must make an impact. To be impressive, you have to take everything for granted. This will give you a boost in innovation and creativity.

Creative thinking

Creative intelligence is the ability to come up with new ideas. FROM creative intelligence man can generate innovative solutions to solve the problem.
In simple words, it is looking at problems or situations from a fresh point of view, which involves non-standard solutions(which may look disturbing at first glance). Creative thinking can be stimulated as an unstructured process, for example brainstorm, and structured process - lateral thinking.

reflective thinking

Take the time to think before you act, listen before you speak, understand before you respond, and show compassion before you react. When you take the time to think, it gives perspective. This allows you to see what is really happening without getting emotional. Reflective thinking allows you to distance yourself so that you can look at things differently.

General Thinking

Collaborative thinkers like to hear what other people think so they can expand on their own ideas.

strategic thinking

Strategic thinkers can simplify difficulties, prepare for uncertainty, and reduce mistakes because they have a plan. strategic thinking makes you plan how easy it is to go from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow.
Explore Big Picture Thinking
Great thinkers are always ready to see things that other people cannot see; they are able to assess the situation and take all changes into account. Once you can connect all the dots like no other, you will always be ready to seize an opportunity when the time comes.