Out-of-the-BOX!

Children everywhere are learning Maths and Science and are acquiring reading skills. The importance of learning these cannot be denied, however, critical and out-of-the-box thinking are skills that will not only get you far but also help you learn and grasp concepts better.

What is critical thinking?

Let me give you an example:

Someone says, “Apples are red”. Critical thinking is when you are able to analyse and evaluate the statement objectively so that you reach a conclusion. Are all apples red? Are apples always red? What makes them red? Are all red fruits similar?

Critical thinking is that mode of thinking — about any subject, content, or problem — in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.                      ~The Critical Thinking Community

What is out-of-the-box thinking? Out-of-the-box thinking simply put, means thinking creatively and imaginatively. Try this –

You must link all 9 dots using four straight lines or fewer, without lifting the pen and without tracing the same line more than once.

Go ahead! Bring a pen and paper. Did you get it? It’s ok if you didn’t. You can see one of the solutions here. Now does it seem very obvious? This is very classic example of out-of-the-box thinking. Many people do not see beyond the boundaries.

By doing this, one is able to get more clarity and trust me – you learn much more than you can imagine! With critical thinking, you will not only know that there are red apples, but also ‘Why’ those apples are red. These skills will help you arrive at solutions to problems where a linear approach has failed. In a recent IBM poll, 1500 CEOs from across the world, identified creativity as the single most important trait for leaders of the future. You can read the article here.

It is important for us as students, teachers, educators, parents, etc. to hone, nurture and build on these skills in ourselves and provide opportunities for others around us to do the same.

What sets ASSET apart from other tests is how questions are designed to test students’ critical thinking. We have seen cases where children when asked the question in a standard format (or in a way that they are familiar with) they get the right answer. But when the same question is asked differently, they are unable to solve it.

But guess what? It doesn’t stop at that. After the test, students also get a comprehensive view of their performance along with detailed insights on their strengths and areas that need improvement. Practice questions are also provided to students for such areas. Get in touch with us if you’d like to know more.

Why Fit In when you were BORN TO STAND OUTSIDE        -Dr. Seuss