Critical Thinking to me

Critical thinking happens when one is analyzing their surroundings whether it is reading a book, watching their favorite program on television, going over corporate financial statements, listening to a conversation or viewing a work of art.  It just happens.  Critical thinking is not just limited to one sense but to all, what we feel, hear, taste, touch and see.  Is this chair too hard or too soft?  The food looks good, but smells funny.  I wonder if it will taste good, or will I be revolted the moment I bite into it.  I don’t feel that one needs learn to think critically, what is needed is the fine tuning of critical thinking.

I like to read for pleasure.  Reading to me is a means of relaxation. The only thinking I involve in is where the author is going.  I don’t look for any hidden meaning, or underlying thesis.  I don’t want to work that hard, but in real life to keep current in your chosen profession, you must learn how to read and think critically.  For example, doctors will read medical journals to keep up on current standards and will need to analyze new drugs and how it will affect their patients.  Financial gurus will pour over balance sheets looking for the best ways to save money, something I feel comfortable poring over and analyzing.

As I own a theatre company, some of the work entails reading plays and dramas.  For me, this is here the majority of my critical thinking comes into play.  I need to ask questions such as, does the story translate to the size stage we will be using and will it be entertaining enough to keep the audience wanting more.  By posing all the right questions and doing research, you can put on the best production feasibly possible, given the data you have found.

I have realized that I do think critically, but possess absolutely no organizational skills when it comes to thinking.  I have tendencies to think in circles, which can make writing very difficult at times.  I am hoping that this class will teach me to organize my thoughts, and how to express myself clearly.  I also over think my personal writing and feel that it is never good enough.  I lack the courage to believe what I write down on paper is acceptable, so I shy away from it.  I am hoping this class will remove my fears about writing as well. 

I have entertained the thought about writing.  With my love for theater, maybe one day I will write a script that will be performed.  I will also use this class to get a better insight into future plays that I do read.  This class will enhance my skills as a director, to look for those little moments that will take the show from being a good show into a show stopper.  No matter what path my future holds, this class will challenge me to push myself out of my comfort zone of numbers and into a new world of critical thinking.