1. Book cover art to be inserted Chapter 9 Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving

2. 2Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 C H A P T E R To prepare your mind for problem solving The importance of critical thinking Common fallacies and errors in judgment How to use problem solving for mathematics and science In Chapter 9 You Will Learn 9 9 Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving continued

3. 3Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 How to overcome math anxiety The importance of creativity in problem solving In Chapter 9 You Will Learn C H A P T E R 9 9 Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving

4. 4Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 See yourself having many creative ideas. See yourself having many creative ideas. You are aware, alive, and alert. You view problems as opportunities and challenges to gain confidence and test your problem- solving strategies. You make decisions easily, but with care, and learn from your mistakes. You are looking forward with enthusiasm.

5. 5Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Success Principle 9 9 Focus on DECISION MAKING, not snap judgments.

6. 6Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Preparing Your Mind for Problem Solving 1.Have a positive attitude. 2.Use critical thinking. 3.Persistence pays off.

7. 7Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Critical Thinking Qualities Figure 9.1 Attributes of a Critical Thinker ……………………………………………. Willingness to ask pertinent questions and assess statements and arguments Ability to suspend judgment and tolerate ambiguity Ability to admit a lack of information or understanding Curiosity and interest in seeking new solutions Ability to clearly define a set of criteria for analyzing ideas Willingness to examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions against facts

8. 8Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 ” “ —John Dewy, author How We Think The core of critical thinking is having…healthy skepticism and using suspended judgment.

9. 9Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Common Errors in Judgment The following errors in judgment interfere with critical thinking: Stereotypes Snap judgments Unwarranted assumptions continued

10. 10Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 cont’d Common Errors in Judgment Projection The halo effect Sweeping generalizations

11. 11Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Problem-Solving Strategies for Math and Science Classes 1.Define the problem. 2.Gather information and facts. 3.Go from the general to the specific. 4.Develop a plan. continued

12. 12Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 cont’d Problem-Solving Strategies for Math and Science Classes 5.Make connections. 6.Be flexible and creative. 7.Take a break. 8.Begin with the easiest problem.

13. 13Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Gathering Information and Facts Graphic Organizer What is being asked? What do I know? What do I need to know? How do I set up this problem? What is my hypothesis? What is my theory? What are the main points? What are the relationships? What am I trying to find out? What factors will influence the outcome? What formulas, calculations, and constructions will be helpful? What theories, principles, or research will help me with this problem? Scientistsaskthemselves

14. 14Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Overcoming Math Anxiety Computers can tutor you in math and help you become more familiar with the formulas, theorems, and applications. continued

15. 15Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Overcoming Math Anxiety Practicing will improve your math skills and ease your anxiety. cont’d

16. 16Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 If you have a case of anxiety over taking a required math class, try enrolling in a summer refresher course. You’ll be prepared and confident when you later take the required course.

17. 17Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Assessment and Review 1.Summarize the problem in your own words. 2.Evaluate by going through each step. 3.Practice and be persistent by being disciplined and focused.

18. 18Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Practice problems and keep up with assignments. Working with a study partner is a great way to understand and practice math. Use creativity strategies to think outside the box.

19. 19Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Creativity Creativity is thinking of something different and using new approaches to solve problems. continued

20. 20Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Creativity Your attitudes can form mental blocks that keep you from being creative. cont’d continued

21. 21Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Creativity The following ten strategies will help you to unlock your mind’s natural creativity: 1.Use games, puzzles, and humor. continued cont’d

22. 22Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 continued cont’d Creativity 2.Challenge the rules. 3.Brainstorm. 4.Work to change mind-sets. 5.Change your routine. 6.Allow failure. 7.Expect to be creative.

23. 23Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 cont’d Creativity 8.Support, acknowledge, and reward creativity. 9.Use both sides of the brain. 10.Keep a journal.

24. 24Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Try not to let your previous experience influence your expectations on how to solve a new problem.

25. 25Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Creative Problem-Solving Techniques 1.Act it out. 2.Move it around. 3.Picture it. 4.Take it apart. 5.Translate and summarize. continued

26. 26Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 cont’d Creative Problem-Solving Techniques 6.Simplify. 7.Estimate. 8.Work with a partner. 9.Ask questions. 10.Sleep on it.

27. 27Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Create a positive attitude.

28. 28Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Ask questions.

29. 29Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Go from general to specific.

30. 30Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Make connections.

31. 31Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Be flexible and creative.

32. 32Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Evaluate.

33. 33Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Practice and be persistent.

34. 34Peak Performance C H A P T E R Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving 9 Brainstorm.

35. Book cover art to be inserted End of Chapter 9 Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving