...Asking the Right Questions-11 Step Analysis Introduction “I know it’s good to be a critical thinker and to be able to ask lots of good questions, but I don’t know what questions to ask or how to ask them.” (Browne & Keeley, 2011) In our text “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (10th Ed.) The authors explore the benefits and necessity for critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right questions to make an informed decision and conclusion to an argument. The authors Browne and Keeley (2011) give two different approaches that can be taken in order to achieve success in critical thinking; the Interactive approach which involves evaluation of what is being read or heard and the sponge approach which involves little thought because you are simply absorbing everything you read and hear. With a good combination of the two one can successfully go through the critical thinking process and ask and answer all the right questions. So what are the right questions? Browne and Keeley give 10 questions that create a stairway to successful critical thinking. I am going to go through the 10-question model and examine a Memo written by Ms. Mary Ford the Director of Human Resources of APEU to Mr. Hector Fuentes the President of APEU local No. 121. I. What are the Issues and Conclusions? An issue is a question or controversy responsible for the conversation or discussion. It is the stimulus for what is being said (Browne & Keeley, 2011). There are...
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...February 3, 2014 8:29:57 AM CST6 days ago ED7590 Discussion 6d1 This post required a peer-reviewed journal article be selected from the Capella Library. The chosen article was about a descriptive study completed of nine states and the Funding support for school-wide positive behavioral interventions and support implementation and scale-up. This article examines the major focus and the difficulty states face with the process of selecting, implementing, and scaling-up evidence-based practices. The article also contains a discussion about the renewed commitment to improving student outcomes and how that has led directly to the need for effective practices implemented at scale (Gage et. Al, 2013). In particular, this article examines the funding decisions of nine specific states and makes note that funding decisions made at state, regional, and district levels remain a key to large-scale implementation of effective practices (Gage et. Al, 2013). No one will argue that the main objective of education in the United States is to offer all students a free and suitable public education so they may become active and vital members and contributors to society. However, the process involved in funding education to achieve this goal is a very complex one mainly because it includes interests, policies, and dollars originating from and flowing among local education agencies (LEAs), state education agencies (SEAs), and federal government agencies (e.g., U.S. Departments of Education...
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...Critical Thinking Analysis of Cliffside Holding Company Memo Lisa A. Farinelli University of Maryland University College 1209 AMBA 610 9043 10/9/2012 Professor Bonnie Peter Abstract This paper demonstrates the application of the critical thinking and systems thinking models to analyze complex organizational issues. To illustrate the benefits of using such a model, one sample memo originating from a Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa will be referenced. The 10-steps of Critical Thinking defined in asking the Right Questions, Browne (2012) will guide this discussion. A summation of findings and suggestions for future readings concludes this discussion. Asking the Right Questions What are the issue and conclusions? The first step to appreciating the authenticity and credibility of the work is to identify the issue as well as the conclusion purported by its author. Browne (2012) defines the issue as the question or controversy that is responsible for the discussion, the actual stimulus (p. 19). In the memo by A. Ravaswami to one of his colleagues, the issue raised is whether a leadership development program is even necessary (A. Ravaswami, personal communication, October 10, 2012). This is an example of an explicitly stated prescriptive issue. The author is raising the question as to what is the proper route for training his top-level executives. The answer to this will involve ethical, moral and personal viewpoints and is therefore a prescriptive issue...
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...Critical Thinking “Critical thinking defines ability to weigh evidence, examine, arguments, and construct rational bases for generally accepted beliefs. Also a systematic approach to evaluating a problem” according to M. Neil Browne. “When using critical thinking he or she must be able to use reasoning and deduction in an argument. Asking the right questions is very important in the critical thinking process. Critical thinking involves viewing the situation and supporting the reason behind the solution. They will need to evaluate the situation, analyze the information, and research the topic to make sure they come to the right conclusion.” (M. Neil Browne, Stuart M. Keeley, Asking the Right Questions A Guide to Critical Thinking 8th Edition Prentice Hall) When using the decision-making process they need to identify the problem. He or she will need to have an alternative plan in case the original plan has pitfalls that they did not recognize in the beginning. After they implement the decision they will need to evaluate the decision to make sure it was the right choice for this particular time. Critical thinking is essential in today’s business world. The human element use assumptions and interference in our everyday encounters. These characteristics can defeat the goal we are trying to accomplish. There are things that affect our critical thinking processes are our values, personal beliefs, religion, and educational background. I find that in my work that I need...
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...good to be a critical thinker and to be able to ask lots of good questions, but I don’t know what questions to ask or how to ask them.” (Browne & Keeley, 2011) In our text “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (10th Ed.) The authors explore the benefits and necessity for critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right questions to make an informed decision and conclusion to an argument. The authors Browne and Keeley (2011) give two different approaches that can be taken in order to achieve success in critical thinking; the Interactive approach which involves evaluation of what is being read or heard and the sponge approach which involves little thought because you are simply absorbing everything you read and hear. With a good combination of the two one can successfully go through the critical thinking process and ask and answer all the right questions. So what are the right questions? Browne and Keeley give 10 questions that create a stairway to successful critical thinking. I am going to go through the 10-question model and examine a Memo written by Ms. Mary Ford the Director of Human Resources of APEU to Mr. Hector Fuentes the President of APEU local No. 121. I. What are the Issues and Conclusions? An issue is a question or controversy responsible for the conversation or discussion. It is the stimulus for what is being said (Browne & Keeley, 2011). There are two types of issues, descriptive which are those that raise questions about the...
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...The Elements of Thought & Right Questions Participating in a changing and increasingly complex society requires citizens to process large amounts of information and to operate effectively in ambiguous and unstructured situations. Such work demands thinking and thoughtful people. (Grant, 1988, p. 36) The importance of critical thinking is directly linked to the ability to make sound, informed decisions. The results of those decisions could have a major impact not just in regards to Homeland Security, but also in a person’s daily life. There are two major methodologies of critical thinking, both being unique and similar within their own right. From Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder there are the “Elements of Thought” which are eight. While from M. Neil Browne and Stuart M Keeley comes the “Right Questions” which are ten in number. In the “Elements of Thought” from Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Paul we find eight seemingly simple questions that should be asked in order to either make the best decision possible and/or to process the available information effectively. What is the author’s purpose? What is the author’s point of view? What assumptions are made? What are the implications? What evidence is provided? What are inferences or conclusions? What are the basic concepts? What are the key questions? (Elder & Paul, 2007) From these questions a reader, listener, or an analyst is given a template with which the critical thinking process should take place allowing...
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...Critical Thinking: Leadership-Development Programs University of Maryland University College Introduction Critical thinking is a process by which a thinker can improve the quality of their thinking through a process. It involves a series of process, that actively and skillfully conceptualizing, evaluating, applying, and analyzing information to reach an answer or a conclusion. This allows the reader to process the information received to come to a reasonable conclusion based on a reasoned process. This process involve the utilization of the ten step methodology presented in Browne and Keeley’s book called “Asking the Right Questions”. These steps are used to achieve a clearer understanding of the issues being evaluated. In this paper, I will be using Browne and Keeley’s ten step methodology presented in “Asking the right questions” to analyze the memo title “Leadership Development Program” writing by Mr. Anil Ravaswami to Ms. Cynthia Castle (CEO of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa CHCM). I will be analyzing the memo by going through each steps of the critical thinking model. This is to show my level of understanding of the intended messages being conveyed by Mr. A. Ravaswami’s memo. Critical Thinking: Leadership-Development Programs In Browne and Keeley’s book “Asking the Right Question”, Browne and Keeley discuss what the characteristics of an active reader or listener is. Browne and Keeley indicated that an active reader or listener is one who possesses the...
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...CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE University of Maryland University College Introduction: In the book, “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (Eleventh Edition), by M. Neil Brown and Stuart M. Keeley”, the authors examine the benefits of critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right kinds of questions. The authors state that critical thinking is a method used to improve the way we think by asking the questions that would enable you to reach a personal decision that would eventually give credit to both sides of a discussion. Critical thinking is, in essence, the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of one’s experience, as it relates to the worth of the discussion at hand. The authors define critical thinking as, “the awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, the ability to ask and answer critical questions in an appropriate manner; and the desire to actively use the critical questions” (p. 4). This paper will evaluate the nature of critical thinking as an intellectual process and apply that to the memorandum date October 10, 2012 to Cynthia Castle from Anil Ravaswami to determine if the issue stated of whether the CEO of the company, Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa (CHCM) should invest $100,000 per year in leadership training program for junior insurance executives. Browne and Keeley (2010) make it clear that a critical evaluation cannot be done until the conclusion is found and instructs the critical...
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...Analysis Using Critical Thinking Model: Cliffside Holding Company Memo University of Maryland University College Introduction Amidst this barrage of information in today’s world, it is often difficult to make a decision and stand by it, assured that it was the most advantageous to all those involved. Fortunately, critical thinking is a tool available to assist in making well thought out decisions in the face of contradictory opinions and impulsive actions. In Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, Browne and Keeley (2013) explain that critical thinking is “reacting with systematic evaluation to what you have heard and read” (p. 4). They further assert that critical thinking “requires a set of skills and attitudes that are built around a series of related critical questions” (p. 4). By asking the right questions, we employ the skill of critical thinking to enhance what and how we process information. To examine the concept of critical questions, this paper will analyze a business document from Cliffside Holding of Massapequa using the critical thinking model outlined by Browne and Keeley (2013) in Asking the Right Questions. Analysis Mr. Anil Ravaswami, Vice-President (VP) of Human Resources (HR) of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa (CHMC), wrote a memo to CEO Cynthia Castle in response to her request for the evaluation of a proposal for a new leadership development program to be designed for Cliffside’s junior insurance executives (personal...
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...Critical Thinkers and Education A Teachers Goal Bia Mcgrue Scypion EDU372: Educational Psychology Prof. Jimletta Vareene-Thomas 2/20/2016 Critical Thinkers and Education A Teachers Goal Throughout life we are challenged and we encounter an abundance of issues or problems that we need to solve. Some problems that can be resolved effortlessly and efficiently but other obstacles may require a more critical and creative thinking to overcome. When it comes down to thinking to solve problems we depend on our thinking or give some regurgitated answer that we just read. But “much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or downright prejudiced” (TCTC, 2016). The purpose of critical thinking is so that we are able to not only accomplish or attain understanding but also so we can assess or check each other’s frame of reference and eventually clarify the question or dilemma at hand. Some would argue whose challenge is it to get students to move pass their beliefs and assumption. Is it on students to dig deeper to gain or find additional tools and information that leads to developing a more in depth thought process. Richard Dawkins expressed that we should “not indoctrinate your children. Teach them how to think for themselves, how to evaluate evidence, and how to disagree with you” (Dawkins, 2015). Picture a student who completes every assignment follows along attentively writes down the notes and answers the questions with the information found...
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...Company of MASSAPEQUA Introduction This paper consists of analyzing a memorandum from Mr. Anil Ravaswami (Vice-President of Human Resources) address to Ms. Cynthia Castle, CEO of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa (CHCM). The memo was in regard to establishing and funding something that CHCM did not have before; a new leadership development program specifically design for junior insurance executives. Mr. Ravaswami is suggesting to Ms. Castle not to invest on the leadership training because it will a waste of time and the money can be spent more wisely. I analyzed Mr. Ravaswami’s memo using the ten steps of critical thinking model from the book Asking the Right Questions. The way I accomplished this task was by asking one question at a time and explaining my results. What are the issues and the conclusion? The first step of the critical thinking model asks what are the issues and the conclusion with Mr. Ravaswami’s memo. After a senior executive meeting, the director of operations has suggested that it will be a good investment for CHCM to start a leadership development program for their junior financial executives. Mr. Ravaswami wrote a memo to Ms. Castle explaining his beliefs that CHCM should not proceed with the request because the program is not necessary and he concluded that the money could be spent better. What are the reasons? The second step asks for the reason why Mr. Ravaswami is suggesting not establishing a new leadership development program...
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...ESSAY Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking Author: Browne, M. N., & Keeley, S. M Lambent Nguyen University of Maryland University College AMBA 610 Professor Leigh Sempeles October 20, 2015 Introduction “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking.” (Eleventh Edition), by M. Neil Brown and Stuart M. Keeley provides the benefits of critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right kinds of questions. The authors define a critical thinking method by creating a 10-step strategy process that can be used to evaluate a memo from Mr. Anil Ravaswami, Vice-President of Human Resources of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa. The memo expressed his opinion about the junior leadership training program to Ms. Cynthia Castle, CEO of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa. Step 1: What are the issues and the conclusion? Finding the issue is raising questions about what is right and wrong, good or bad (Browne & Keely, 2010). The company want to send employees off-site each year for leadership training. (The request was for his office to evaluate the merit of the request.) The twelve senior executives hadn’t want to attend the seminar and yet the company was successful. They think that it is a waste. Mr. Anil Ravaswami, vice president of Human Resources believes that leadership traits are innate. The issue set forth in Mr. Anil’s memo is whether to invest financially in the junior executives for annual leadership training. The...
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...Applying Critical Thinking: Analyzing Memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to President, FSEU Local No. 343 Abstract The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. This function is currently being performed by 75 State employees, 43 of whom are members of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343. On May 12, 2010 the Governor of Illinois notified the President of FSEU Local 343 about the State’s intent. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. On June 5, 2010 the FSEU Director of Human Resources responded to the President of FSEU Local 343 with the union member’s discussion and recommended opposing the outsourcing proposal. The paper uses the methodology from the book “Asking the Right Questions – A Guide to Critical Thinking” by M. Neil Bowne and Stuart M. Keeley, to analyze the memo from FSEU Director of Human Resources to the President, FSEU Local No. 343. Introduction The Illinois State intends to privatize the Department of Transportation (DoT) information systems management function. The Governor of Illinois notified Mr. Cesar Padilla, the President of Federated State Employee Union (FSEU) Local 343 about the State’s intent on May 12, 2010. The President of FSEU has asked the union members if the union should oppose the outsourcing proposal. In response to the request from the President of FSEU Local No. 343, Ms...
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...Critical Thinking: Compare and Contrast Latrenda Suggs RSC 801, Section L11 Professor Barker Capitol College Abstract The constructs of this paper will compare and contrast the various definitions of critical thinking. Many of the scholarly articles that I have researched for this paper provide insight of various reasoning as to the ideas of what critical thinking means. Although the wording is very different for each definition they seem to overlap each of in a sense. Some of the researchers of these articles read as though they took a deeper reflection of what critical thinking means. Critical thinking is very important for people all of ages. Critical thinking is detrimental to a student’s success. Introduction Critical thinking is essential for students and people in everyday life. Critical thinking skills are what characterizes’ the way a person thinks and learn. Critical thinking is where ideas are formed. Many researchers interpret critical thinking in different ways. Critical thinking can be used in every field such as engineering, teaching, nursing and business. Some people don’t understand truly what critical thinking mean and how to access their full potential. In 2007 a study was conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics which reveals that the United States was behind the curve on critical thinking. Critical thinking methods aren’t being applied in schools as they should be. Students lack problem solving skills which lead to problems with...
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...Running head: CRITICAL THINKING AND DECISION MAKING Individual Paper: Critical Thinking and Decision Making by Daniel Palliparambil DMBA610 – Ethical Leadership in Organizations & Society University of Maryland University College September 16, 2011 Individual Paper Introduction Outsourcing is a relevant and arguable issue in the United States. Jobs that were previously handled by American workers are already being handled by workers located in other countries that offer lower wages and lower costs of living. The case study describes the Department of Transportation of Illinois plans to outsource the management of information management systems. Ms. Barbara Glenn makes several arguments against this outsourcing in her memo to Mr. Cesar Padilla, the President of the FSEU (FSEU Memo, 2011). In the book, “Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (Tenth Edition), by M. Neil Brown and Stuart M. Keeley”, the authors examine the benefits of critical thinking as it relates to the process of asking the right kinds of questions. The authors define critical thinking: “as the awareness of a set of interrelated critical questions, the ability to ask and answer critical questions at appropriate times; and the desire to actively use the critical questions” (Brown & Keeley, 2010, p. 2). In my examination of the Memo by Ms. Barbara Glenn, I will apply the various steps developed by Brown and Keeley, to examine the arguments...
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