The Creative Mind 1

Running head: Critical Thinking, Active Reading, and Effective Writing

Critical Thinking, Active Reading, and Effective Writing:

The Creative Mind at Work

Terry Miller

Kathy Cole

WRT 312

May 12, 2009

The Creative Mind 2

Critical Thinking, Active Reading, and Effective Writing:

The Creative Mind at Work

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Socrates) This concept is now known as the

Socratic principle, although the initiative of critical thinking is older than this principle.

Presently, it seems as if everything is about Critical thinkers and how they shape and convince

others. No religious, social, cultural, or educational system has ever survived without being

questioned, especially the educational system. Bernard Shaw said, “Education can and should do

much to influence social, moral, and intellectual discovery by stimulating critical attitudes of

thought in the young.” (Cited in thinkexist.com). Critical thinking needs to be developed, taught

and assessed and this has become the essence of our modern education.

These skills include the ability to gain knowledge through critical thinking, and then applying

that skill and knowledge to the processes of active reading and effective writing.

Critical thinking is not possible without giving the brain food for thought. The only way

for this mode of thinking to grow is through thinking material, which makes the students raise

questions, congregate information and then come to logical conclusions. College teaches us the

connection between critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing and the power it gives

to creative thought. The influence of critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing makes

learning a much more enjoyable experience. Once mastered these skills are valuable in our

personal and professional lives. The association between critical thinking, active reading, and

effective writing has proven to be an effective tool in stimulating creative thought because it

forms a strong base for the coordinated works of the process of analysis, synthesis, and

evaluation.

Critical thinking

The Creative Mind 3

Definitions of Critical Thinking... The term “critical thinking” along with its definition,

keeps maturing. Critical thinking is also known as analytical, creative, and high-order thinking.

The definition is also expanding, covering more and more aspects of human nature and its

improvement. Creativity is the ability to see things in a new and unusual way and to find unique

solutions for different problems. College teaches us, critical thinking, active reading, and

effective writing. The connection between these skills facilitates high-order thinking process and

life-long learning. There are uncountable definitions of critical thinking, but this definition by

Paul, R., and Elder, L (2008 ¶ 2) stated:

Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-

corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and the

mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem solving

abilities and a commitment to overcome our native ego-centrism and socio-centrism.

Another statement on critical thinking by Seriven, M and Paul, R (1987 ¶ 2), as defined by the

National Council of excellence in Critical Thinking, which is devoted to the subject, gives a

much wider definition, which covers the crucial components. This definition still holds true

today.

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully

conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information

gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or

communication, as a guide to belief or action. In its exemplary form, it is based on

universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy,

precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and

fairness

The Creative Mind 4

The benefit of critical thinking. As all the definitions of critical thinking focus on

preparing the students for their real life problems and making them life-long learners rather than

just training them to cope with the college issues. The skills of critical thinking, active reading,

and effective writing are valuable, for every person, and predominantly for students.

Interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem solving skills, writing skills, and cultural

awareness are just a few of the skills and abilities that college graduates in one study rated as

essential in their professional lives (Tsui, 2003, p. 321). We all must agree that education should

make us good citizens and no doubt, it seems impossible without having the skills of critical

thinking. Critical thinking helps a person to consider and develop their arguments more

efficiently. Within a degree completion program like Spring Arbor University’s BSN program it

is obvious why critical thinking skills are especially important. The commitment needed to

become a good critical thinker is the same commitment required to do well in an educational

program that requires such skills. The variety of classes required, including religion, philosophy,

government, political science, and biology, all contribute to making students well-rounded

individuals. This wide range of classes helps to improve critical thinking skills, as students are

required to consider several different perspectives in many subjects. As students learn and

experience these different subject matters, their ability to intellectually evaluate and process

information grows. In addition, as critical thinking becomes a daily focus in class, it becomes

habit for students to use it in all areas of their lives.

In a degree completion program it is assumed that students have already taken most, if

not all, of the required liberal arts courses and are now ready to focus on courses directly related

to their chosen career path. Therefore, it is important to a student’s success for critical thinking to

be a habit in ones daily life. Being involved in class discussions, evaluating course materials,

The Creative Mind 5

writing required papers, and in general getting the most out of class times requires the use of

critical thinking. Without critical thinking skills honed in college, it would be difficult for many

individuals to do well in their careers, including nursing. The foundation for Critical thinking

(2009 ¶ 10) suggests that critical thinkers behave in four distinct ways I have listed two that I

believe are the most crucial. They raise vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly

and precisely; gather and assess relevant information …; and they come to well-reasoned

conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards. These qualities

can be associated with the problem solving and intervention utilized by nurses. As nurses are

continually working with communities, organizations, groups, families, or individuals, critical

thinking is the most effective method possible in this chosen career field. These skills for the

most part guarantee a bright future in any field one desires to join, including nursing.

The challenges of critical thinking: There are many challenges associated with critical

thinking for the student and the educational community. Brahler, Quitadamo and Johnson (2002,

pp 210) jotted down all the points, which influence the critical thinking skills development.

… partially owing to large class sizes, limited budgets, time constraints that are perceived

not to allow for activities that promote critical thinking, such as in-depth inquiry and

small group problem solving, external pressure to prepare students to pass standardized

college exams that do not require critical thought.

In my situation, the constraint is of time. The quality of our thought gives our life

standard. We all indulge ourselves in thinking, but much of it is vague, and bias because we are

not born with the ability to think critically, rather this skill needs to be polished and nourished.

The critical thinking community, 2009 wrote that, “Excellence in thought, however, must be

systematically cultivated.” Looking at things, open-mindedly and with a different perspective, is

The Creative Mind 6

very time and energy consuming. I believe this to be my greatest challenge. Since, nurses are

often faced with emergencies they have to use the skill of critical thinking at their best because it

could mean the difference between life and death. With the Myers-Briggs MBTI Personality

Type that we used in Module 1of PSY 310, I learned that as an ENFP I need to stay focused in

order to enhance my critical thinking skills. A nurse cannot ignore the fact where he/she went

wrong in handling the crisis, for his/her conscience and professional satisfaction a nurse must

remain focused to be able to make critical decisions effectively. The process of critical thinking

is utilized “because it is very easy for a caring person to hear about a situation that needs change

and immediately jump in and try to ‘do something, ‘” (Suppes, 2003, p.59). Every day is a new

experience for me that ends up shaping my critical thinking skills and offers new thoughts and

ideas. At this point in my life, I feel that there is a long way to go and the room for growth and

improvement is great. I’ am always in search of new ways to expand my horizons to become a

better critical thinker.

The application of critical thinking. The curriculum and hard work of teachers might

make us critical thinkers but the most crucial need is to master the skill of applying all the critical

thinking to a situation. The site critical thinking.org, recorded that, “Critical thinking calls for a

persistent effort to examine any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the

evidence that supports it and the further conclusions to which it tends.” (¶ 6) I have learned that

both knowing personality types and critical thinking can help enhance my life and my learning

ability. Every day nurses are faced with situations that require excellent critical thinking. Being

able to objectively and intellectually evaluate our patients’ needs is imperative. Nurses also need

to be able to quickly and efficiently make sense of how best to meet those needs, which also

requires the use of critical thinking. Health professions demand the skill of critical thinking, at a

The Creative Mind 7

higher level than any other profession. The development of these skills is an ongoing process and

the requirement is never ending. It is indispensable not only for work purposes, but also for

voting, family decisions, education, etc. …; Developing critical thinking skills does not end with

one’s education, but it is a lifelong practice which requires constant thought through active

reading.

Active reading.

Define Active reading. Now the question arises, how to foster the skill of Critical

thinking? The only answer is through active reading. Critical thinking community.org (2009 ¶ 3)

wrote that, “Critical thinking cannot be taught by lecturing. The intellectual skills of critical

thinking--analysis, synthesis, reflection, etc.--must be learned by actually performing them.” A

student exactly knows when he is reading actively. A small activity to judge the skill of active

reading for any students is to read two paragraphs. Choose from a subject matter that the student

is interested in and then choose from a subject area the student has no likeness for. In the end, the

student will know what happens when he is involved in the process of active reading. Nist,

Olejnik & Holschuh (2002.pp, 175) said that, “Active reading feels different then reading

passively. Your mind is engaged and you are actually interested in the material” and for sure,

your critical thinking skills are working actively along. Reading actively, is one of the highest

order activities that the brain processes. It is evident that it is an important and useful skill for all

individuals, all over. Ashcraft and Freeman-Peck (1994. pp.96) commented that, “If the

imagination powers of your students are utilized, a community of debate can be created with

people through active reading and interaction with the written material.”

These skills require the use of critical thinking as one works to best read and understand

material. Some of these strategies of an active reader include underlining and highlighting,

The Creative Mind 8

noting key words, writing down questions, and summarizing what has just been read. These

skills are imperative for any student to be successful, as well as for nurses. It converts the

process of simple reading into the process of learning. The student can define active reading by

the benefit it brings to critical thinking.

Benefits of active reading. The benefits of active reading are noteworthy. Active reading

is when the learner indulges himself to process information in a skillful way. Nist, Olejnik &

Holschuh (2002. pp 176) said that, “check your knowledge as you read” and you exactly know

where you stand with the subject matter. Active reading is about not only actively engaging with

the text but also keeping up the communication and understanding of the information flow in

order to create a systematic scheme of knowledge. Ashcraft and Freeman-Peck (1994. pp. 96)

said that, “Materials encourage the student to ‘create’ arguments from different perspectives.”

Active reading teaches a person to choose exactly what he/she needs to without stopping at

unnecessary details. For instance, the notes required to be taken while actively reading keeps up

the student’s concentration and understanding of the information. For college students, the

amount of reading required for classes can sometimes seem to be unmanageable. However, with

the use of critical thinking and active reading skills they can more quickly gain the information

necessary and not become overwhelmed. With active reading students, learn to search for key

words and information in their reading. Followed by, using critical thinking to analyze the

information and decide what is important for them to be able to get their work accomplished.

Active reading skills are similar for nurses and come with many challenges.

Challenges of active reading. Active reading requires persistence and assimilation in the

mind for a person, which depends on individual peculiarities of the person. For instance, I need

immediate results to stimulate myself for further study or I cannot move forward. My biggest

The Creative Mind 9

challenge is to remain on task and not get distracted by the surroundings. It is important not to

stop the application of active reading while in motion because losing your train of thought is

crucial to the learning process

Application of active reading. Often nurses find it necessary to do research for

themselves or for patients, and like students, they do not necessarily have the luxury of time.

Using critical thinking and active reading helps nurses to make out the relevant information they

need to do their job most effectively. Sometimes this means reading through journal articles or

reports, other times it means skimming through histories and physicals. Either way it is necessary

to use critical thinking to decide what information is relevant and useful for their situation, which

also uses active reading skills in the process. Nurses have key words and information they are

looking for when looking through reports or files. Regardless, nurses, as well as students, use

critical thinking and active reading skills every day. Nearly as often, they also use effective

writing skills.

Effective writing.

How do we define effective writing? There is no true definition of effective writing, but as

mentioned in Tremble’s book effective writing helps to define the style of the writer. In the

article Successful Use of the Six Traits in Writing, Carl B. Smith identifies the six traits necessary

for effective writing such as ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and

conventions. He then says that “in recent years another trait; namely, ‘presentation’ has been

added to this list of six traits to form the 6+1 Traits of Writing,” (p. 3). Students and most

professionals use all of these traits regularly, whether it is in writing papers for classes, or reports

for work. Using these skills to present an effective argument is important for all individuals to

contribute best to society. “Being skilled in argument equips all students—college bound or not

The Creative Mind 10

—to become intelligent, contributing employees and citizens,” (Schmoker, 2007. pp. 64). In

learning to write, effectively one also hones their critical thinking skills as they put together their

argument for their paper. This skill is beneficial in personal and professional life.

What are the Benefits of effective writing? After a student decides what to do in his/her

life, he/she should prepare for their chosen career. If one wants to become a health care

professional, it should be crucial for him/her to master the skill of publication. (Johnstone, 2004,

pp 2) By learning the skills of effective writing all students will be able to achieve their goals.

All college students have to do some writing throughout their education, although some

schools stress its importance more than others do. As students work to prove their thesis

statement in their writing assignments, they use all three skills previously mentioned.

Furthermore as students we are continually collecting research data and information to support

the papers we are working on. Students also use critical thinking skills throughout the whole

process, and of course, they engage in effective writing as they produce the final product. The

same is true for most careers, including nursing. Health care professionals spend most of their

time writing about their day-to-day professional communication (Johnstone, 2004 pp. 1).

Although the challenges are many the benefits I have gained will enhance my life forever.

The challenges of effective writing. I face many challenges with writing, and sentence

structure is just one. Sometimes it is also difficult to get started writing; however other times it is

hard to collect enough information. Occasionally it is also not easy to determine a good

organization to my writing. That little book by John R. Trimble is now my new best friend; I

keep it with me always and have learned a great deal as you can see. The way I write depends on

the topic. If it is something I am passionate about, I do not have a problem getting started.

However, as noted in Trimble’s book “getting launched,” “thinking well,” “how to write a

The Creative Mind 11

critical analysis,” “openers,” “middles,” and “closers” are skills that I find myself applying daily

as I strive to improve in this life-long journey of learning that I have chosen.

The Application of effective writing. This BSN program is helping me to sharpen my

writing skills, skills that I use effectively on a regular basis, whether it is in class discussion,

research papers, or just general reading for class. Writing is something that I enjoy doing, and it

is my goal to be the best writer that I can be. I spend time every day writing, whether it is in my

journal, or for homework. The more of habit writing becomes the easier it is to use the skills of

effective writing more efficiently. These skills will be helpful as a nurse and nurse educator in

writing reports and communicating to graduate nurses. My effective writing skills continue to

grow as I move along in life and by keeping Trimble close by my side I hope to be a “veteran”

writer some day. As George Bernard Shaw stated as cited in Trimble’s book “In literature the

ambition of a novice is to acquire the literary language; the struggle of the adept is to get rid of it.

(2000. pp 183)

Conclusion

I know that I will continue to use the above-mentioned skills regularly even after I have

finished college. Continuing my nursing career, I am looking forward to becoming a clinical

nursing instructor. I know how important all of these skills are and they must be used daily to be

effective. Nevertheless, not only will I use them in my professional life as a nurse, I will also

continue to use them in my personal life. Reading and writing are two of my favorite activities

and things that I will not stop doing for a long--time. Whereas by constantly using these skills in

my personal life, and by using critical thinking to engage in them. I will continue to grow as a

person and develop as a creative professional. These skills are not important only for my success,

but they are also important for any individual, student or professional, who is striving to be the

The Creative Mind 12

best person he/she can be. To be the most effective person and to contribute the most to society,

these skills must constantly be in use in one’s life.

Critical thinking, active reading, and effective writing are important skills for all people

to learn. Not all educators emphasize these skills as much as they should. Most colleges and

universities now boast about how they develop critical thinking skills and all that goes with

them, including active reading and effective writing. This growth makes it even more obvious

that perhaps these skills are important for more than just college students and professionals. For

any individual to be the most informed, knowledgeable, and discerning that they can be they

must use these skills daily. I strive to do this in my own life, and I strive to encourage it in

anyone around me as well. As I go through life retaining these skills will lead to a more creative

and productive future. Both effective reading and writing will lead me into a more creative and

critical thinker. My critical thinking skills are helping to open my mind and look at life with in a

different perspective. Thus I am able to challenge and to weigh alternative possibilities. When an

individual knows how to apply the critical thinking skills to reading material, then obviously

writing will be improved as a result. These three aspects are extremely interrelated and the

progress in one skill effects the development of another skill.

The research taking place today shows that teaching and learning are concerned with the

development of “Critical thinking” skills, once developed and cultivated, critical thinking will

help me throughout my life. Critical thinking plays a major role in making a person a good

citizen, who is able to contribute to the society and play his/her role effectively. As a result

critical thinkers become an asset to society. We need to realize how important critical thinking is

for the active intellectual involvement of a student, as well as for the country. Time and money is

needed to train teachers in a specific manner which enhances critical thinking skills, which in

The Creative Mind 13

turn will cultivate the creativity of all students. I insist that we as individuals need to challenge

authorities rather than just simply following them. Another important point to rise is that a

reading culture needs to grow. I want to close my paper with this line, which will for sure give

you some deep thoughts. Gabennesch (2006),” Is critical thinking worth the costs? Consider for a

moment how costly uncritical thinking can be.

The Creative Mind 14

References

Brahler, C. J., Quitadamo, I. J. & Johnson, E. C., September (2002.) Student Critical Thinking is

enhanced by developing exercise prescriptions using online learning modules. Advances

in Physiology Education, 26, http://advan.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/26/3/210.pdf

Cengage Learning. Critical Thinking. From CriticalThinking.org - Our Concept and Definition

of Critical Thinking http://www.criticalthinking.org/

Cohen, M., Salas, E., and Riedel, S. L. (2002). Critical thinking: Challenges, possibilities and

Purpose. Arlington, VA: Cognitive Technologies.

http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/critical.html

Companizzi. J. (2005) Effective writing for the Quality Professional. Milwaukee, WI: Wisconsin

Bookwatch

ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication. Retrieved May 5, 2008

Foundation for Critical Thinking;( 2009). Define critical thinking.

http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/define_critical_thinking.cfm

Four Institutional Case Studies [Electronic version]. The Journal of Higher Education, 73(6),

740-763.

Gabennesch, H; (April 2006.) Critical Thinking… What is it good for? (In fact, what is it?).

Skeptical Inquirer, 30, 2. http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/crit.art.pdf

Johnstone, M (2004). Effective writing for health professionals: A practical guide to getting

published. New York: Routledge.

Kemerling,G.(2001).Socrates Philosphical life. www.philosophypages.com/hy/2d.htm

Nist, S. L., Nist-Olejnik, S. & Holschuh, J. (2002). College Rules!: How to Study, Survive, and

Succeed in College. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press.

The Creative Mind 15

Prince, Michael; (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. J. Engr.

Education, 93, 3.

http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/Prince_AL.pdf

Schafersman, S, D.; (January 1991). An Introduction to Critical Thinking.

http://www.freeinquiry.com/critical-thinking.html

Schmoker, M.(2007). Reading, Writing, and Thinking for All [Electronic version].

Educational Leadership, 64(7), 63-66, Smith, C. B. (Ed.). (2003). Successful Use of the

Six Traits in Writing. Bloomington:

Suppes, M., & Wells, C. C. (2003). The Social Work Experience (4th ed.). New York:

McGraw Hill.

The Open University; (August 2008.) Critical Thinking. Learning Design & Technology.

Retrieved, May,6, 2009 http://www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy/critical-thinking.php

Trimble, John R. (2002). Writing with style: conversations on the art of writing (2nd )

Think Exist; (1999-2006). Critical thinking quotes Retrieved on May 7, 2009.

www.thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keywords/critical-thinking/

Thinking as Valued Capital [Electronic version]. The Journal of Negro Education, 72(3), 318-

332.

Tsui, L. (2002). Fostering Critical Thinking Through Effective

Tsui, L.(2003). Reproducing Social Inequalities Through Higher Education: Critical