Category Archives: Critical Thinking

(#238) Practicality Over Bean Counting

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

If all we do is look for the “research to inform our actions” we will drown in an ever-rising sea of mind-numbing numbers, tables, graphs, and pontifications for more research. A few weeks ago, a colleague mentioned in passing that … Continue reading →

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(#191) React, Respond or Initiate?

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Steve Piscitelli

Managers react. Leaders initiate. Ready for a little equation solving? What does each letter represent? E + R = O   This equation (I believe it is attributed to Clement Stone) reminds us to pause in our interactions and avoid … Continue reading →

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(#185) Who Should Really Get Off The Bus?

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

If leaders cannot encourage and support open debate— even when it questions the direction of the bus—maybe they should get off the bus. In his best seller, Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t, Jim Collins … Continue reading →

Posted in collaboration, Critical Thinking, leadership, teamwork | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

(162) Aware-Care-Dare

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

For those who do not want to settle and would like to rekindle the passion in your calling, I suggest a three-step model.  At the conclusion of a recent presentation on non-cognitive factors of student success, a young instructor approached … Continue reading →

Posted in Critical Thinking, Goals, Passion | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#156) Putting Action Behind Your Intentions: A Call To Action!

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Steve Piscitelli

Ask yourself this question: “What one action, if I take it today, will get me closer to my goal?” One problem with professional development activities is follow-through.  The program can be dynamic, the speaker engaging, and the audience tuned in … Continue reading →

Posted in creating your future, Critical Thinking, Dreams, Goals | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#134) Marshmallows, Teaching and Learning

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Steve Piscitelli

This exercise allowed them to collaborate, actively search for, and apply (critically think about) concepts and principles in an engaging and memorable manner.  About a year ago I learned of the “Marshmallow Challenge.”  The video at the end of this … Continue reading →

Posted in collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, effective teaching, Student success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#86) A Model for Critical Thinking

Posted on January 15, 2012 by Steve Piscitelli

What is common sense is not always common practice. As a skill, critical thinking is a no-brainer; especially in a democratic society.  Yet what is common sense is not always common practice. Today, let’s examine a model that will help us be more … Continue reading →

Posted in Critical Thinking, Study Skills | 24 Comments

(#62) Are You A Critical Thinker?

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Steve Piscitelli

If you have been anywhere near a television, Internet video, or newspaper you have been inundated with stories about the debt ceiling and our national debt.  Lots of talk, yelling, and finger pointing.  And while the economics, the politics, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Critical Thinking | 3 Comments