The authors of “The Craft of Research” purport that a common mistake inexperienced researchers make is “Falling Back on What You Know” (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, p. 119). This is a 300+ word plus explanation of my views on this statement and how all of us can begin to practice critical and reflective thinking. Please think critically when reading my post 🙂
Step 1: Identify the elements: A common mistake researchers make is falling back on what is already known (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, p. 119). In other words, do not assume that prodigious knowledge in one discipline is directly applicable to another.
Step 2: Analyze/define/frame the problem: Claude Bernard, the French Physiologist wrote, “It is what we think we know already that often prevents us from learning (Garnder, p. 51)”. Research-based practices maintain that prior knowledge is a significant factor in learning (Marazano, 2004). Prior knowledge is integral to building research. Research learned previously is important and the elements of argument, as in the universal intellectual standards (Paul and Elder, 2001) must be equally utilized. Falling back on old research practices and knowledge is slippery ground is bridgeless Are the authors saying that unlearning is a necessary element to the learning process? No, they are suggesting that we bridge prior knowledge with new knowledge and critically think and reflect about alternatives using different methodologies, solutions, and formulas. The critical thinking and reflecting will further promote continuous learning. The MIT OpenCourseWare affirm this with their poignant statement, “If our theories-in-use are stagnant so are our brains, neurons and synapses (McDowell, Canepa, and Ferriera, 2007, Lecture 1, Slide 12). Think of new theories and research practices.
Step 3: Consider Solutions: To manage the intricacy of new ideas and differing arguments, especially offered in our coursework, building skills for critical thinking and reflection are in order. Visiting the iGuide is an option.
Step 4: Choose a solution: The iGuide of Capella University offers a plethora of building critical thinking resources. After exploring many of the resources I discovered two that I will implement.
Step 5: Implement Your Choice: This whole assignment has been done applying the Socratic Approach to Problem Solving.
Step 6: Evaluate the results: I will use a second critical thinking strategy, Practice Thinking Critically!
References
Gardner, J.N. and Barefoot, B.O. (2010). Step by step to college and career success. Macmillan Higher Education.
Lee, S. V. (2002-2003). Essays on teaching excellence: Toward the best in the academy. The Professional & Organizational Development Network, 14(2) Retrieved from http://www.asa.mnscu.edu/facultydevelopment/resources/pod/Packet14/unlearningacriticalelement.htm
Marzano, R. J. (2004). Building background knowledge for academic achievement: Research on what works in schools. Alexandria, VA, USA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD). Retrieved from http://site.ebrary.com.library.capella.edu/lib/capella/docDetail.action?docID=10065775
McDowell, Ceasar, Claudia Canepa, and Sebastiao Ferriera. 11.965 Reflective Practice: An Approach for Expanding Your Learning Frontiers, January IAP 2007. (MIT OpenCourseWare: Massachusetts Institute of Technology), http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/urban-studies-and-planning/11-965-reflective-practice-an-approach-for-expanding-your-learning-frontiers-january-iap-2007 (Accessed 1 Feb, 2014). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA