Thinking Styles
Cognitive style or “thinking style” is a term used to describe the way individuals think, perceive, and remember information. Thinking styles are positive habits that contribute to better critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
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Professionals have long recognized that students gather and process material differently and learn in diverse ways. Some kids learn by watching videos or visual presentations, while others respond to a more hands-on, tactile approach. Thinking styles influence how students prefer to learn, interact with others, collaborate, and problem solve.
Overview of thinking styles
Reflective thinkers
– understand best when they have time to think about what they’ve seen, heard, and read. They most often think before they act and tend to be introspective, quiet, and thoughtful. Reflective thinkers use deductive reasoning to narrow down the big picture to specific details and prefer to work alone.
Intuitive thinkers
– understand best when they’re able to explore the relationship between things, and analyze the “whys” of ideas. First, they look at the big picture and then break it into details. They enjoy exploring the “what ifs” and finding ways to apply theories to facts. Intuitive thinkers work best in small groups and need time to process information.
Sequential thinkers
– understand best when they see the steps and logic behind the ideas. They prefer seeing how the details add up to the bigger picture and doing things in a logical, step-by- step order. Sequential thinkers prefer taking small chunks of information and seeing how it builds on what they already know and understand.
Global thinkers
– understand best when they can see the whole picture at once. They can view the bigger picture and the details at the same time. Global thinkers make decisions and reach solutions quickly and they don’t always think in logical steps. They work well in groups, prefer hands on projects, and frequent feedback from others.
I don’t want anyone to feel guilty after reading this article. There is definitely a fun “rush” of looking at my phone often at times. I get a lot of work done because of my smart phone. It makes me more productive at times. Let’s just all take a good, hard look at when we can shut down the “noise” for certain hours of the day; let’s also set family goals together and help our kids see that drugs/alcohol are not the only addictions present in our lives.
Staying organized can be a challenge for many people…including parents and students. Opening your child’s backpack to complete chaos and clutter is frustrating parent and child. Kids’ backpacks can get messy! Papers can be put in the wrong pockets, left at school, or left at home.