An Introduction

Can you tell what these symbols are telling us even though they are in a different language?

Symbols are useful not only on signs. When we think, we use symbols Symbols are objects or acts that stand for something. What do I mean by “an act”? Symbols

Concepts When we think, we mentally group things together into concepts When we think, we mentally group things together into concepts –Kind of like categories Apple, oranges, bananas = fruit Apple, oranges, bananas = fruit –“Fruit” is a concept Horse, elephant, rabbit = animal or mammal Horse, elephant, rabbit = animal or mammal –“Animals” is a concept

What is different about these two questions? Who was the 1 st President of the United States? Who was the 1 st President of the United States? How do you feel about the fact that women are paid less than men in most workplaces? How do you feel about the fact that women are paid less than men in most workplaces?

Convergent Thinking The 1 st question elicits (brings out) convergent thinking in us –Limited to available facts –Usually, only one correct answer

Divergent Thinking The 2 nd question elicits divergent thinking The 2 nd question elicits divergent thinking –Allows the mind to associate more freely various elements of the problem/question at hand –The base of creativity

3 Types of Thinking Convergent Thinking Convergent Thinking Divergent Thinking Divergent Thinking Metacognition Metacognition –Planning, evaluating, and monitoring mental processes –i.e. ”thinking about thinking”

Metacognition Metacognitive knowledge Metacognitive knowledge –Knowing what it takes for you, and others, to think and perform mental tasks Metacognitive experiences Metacognitive experiences –Reflection

Problem Solving

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