“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
For human beings, the acquisition of skills and knowledge is a lifelong pursuit – one that engages our mind at various levels. Knowledge can originate from various practices and sources, and the human mind processes information (and experience) to build repositories of information and learning. In this context, the idea of critical thinking represents a higher calling, one that enables the human species to examine the flows of knowledge as part of building theories, constructs, concepts, etc. New learners may embark on such voyages through agency of critical thinking flowcharts; these diagrams allow the human mind to examine ideas and investigate phenomenon, and remain central to surveys of emerging thought processes, build rigor into thinking and thought, and illustrate the various techniques of exercising human intellect.
- The Layer-based Technique
Designers of flowchart may create/deploy different layers within diagrams as part of the project of developing critical thinking flowcharts. This would be an attempt to fashion secondary layers that interrogate a range of large ideas, assumptions, established techniques, lines of thought, modes of examination, and structures of process, among others. This method can assist new learners to embark on a critical examination of each of the above; this technique also allows the visual medium to serve as a learning tool, one that facilitates a regime of progressive examination. In addition, secondary layers empower learners to examine potential locations of resonance that may exist between different layers of knowledge/information. Hence, critical thinking flowcharts present interesting tools for the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in various domains.
- Solving Problems with Thought
Problem solving emerges as a key functionality enabled by various models of critical thinking flowcharts. Problem solving would therefore be a journey of the human mind, enabled by the intellect, as also intent and experiences. Flowcharts enable us to survey and deconstruct a given problem, examine its various components, ideate potential techniques of problem resolution, and attain progress in said mission. One expression of critical thinking flowcharts may posit a range of solutions that may establish connections with various aspects of a given problem. This stance can enable a creative technique of problem solving, demonstrate the key ideas underlining a potential resolution, educate new learners on the methods of attaining solutions, and help designers build new spatial models that encase both form and functionality.
- Questions Enable Leverage
Questions can serve as a prelude to the construction of critical thinking flowcharts. In this context, questions would be a part of a method that enables the design, flows and construction inherent in modern flow diagrams. Questions also enable the journey toward enlightenment, by seeking to elicit answers and responses that drive progress toward greater understanding. Pursuant to this, we may position a range of questions in a bid to interrogate lines of thought, or concepts, or constructs. A flowchart can therefore emerge as a sequence of stages interspersed by questions and queries; these enable new learners to participate in the process of critical thinking, and negotiate the path of advancement in such exercises. It makes sense to ideate different grades/levels of questions within diagrams – each of these instances can enable a critical inquiry that helps construct/build working models of critical thinking flowcharts.
- Logic & Deduction
The application of logic and deduction could elevate the quality of efforts in undertaking projects of designing critical thinking flowcharts. New learners may collaborate as a group to drive this method, and explore the various aspects (or mechanics) of deploying logic in such projects. A logical attitude could prove instrumental in bringing knowledge and insights to the fore, thereby enabling the process of critical inquiry. In addition, logic could emerge as a mode of validation that elevates the quality of progress attained; the application of logic also serves as a mode of training that benefits the minds of new learners. Such training equips learners to explore new subject matter unassisted by senior talent. We may apply this technique to various aspects of thinking, evaluate certain exceptions, and build repositories of fresh experiences and learning.
- Considering Options
A survey of options in lines of thought may prove instrumental in designing/building critical thinking flowcharts. New learners may ideate various possibilities, and etch each instance within the stages/spaces of flow diagrams. This technique enables variety in outcomes, empowers learners to consider non-conventional lines of thought, enables the non-linear to emerge within flowcharts, and expands the horizons of thought and ideation. This technique also promotes critical thinking at every stage of the thought process and its application in learning mechanisms. Learners may design multiple diagrams as part of attempts to analyze each process underlying learning mechanisms. Hence, it can be state that connected diagrams remain an integral idea that cements the critical thinking mindset in new learners.
- Swim Lanes Diagrams
The agency of swim lane diagrams could emerge as expressions of learning paradigms fashioned into critical thinking flowcharts; such diagrams enable a systematic delineation of subject matter into categories. These may include the causative factors, mechanics, manifestations, and outcomes contained in subject matter. For instance, learners may delineate/analyze various phenomenon in the physical world through swim lane diagrams. The very act of such investigation allows innate thought processes powered by curiosity; this promotes an intelligent pursuit of the quest for knowledge, while educating learners in the discipline of designing and exploring through flow diagrams. Further, swim lane diagrams may operate as guidance for higher education in complex domains pursued by new learners.
- An Original Approach
Clusters of separate ideation may represent an original approach in projects designed to output critical thinking flowcharts. Therefore, new learners may establish separate silos within diagrams; each silo could serve as an analytical tool (populated by stages) that drives multiple levels of query, resulting in the emergence of a differentiated matrix of information. Learners may evaluate these lines of information based on their knowledge and learning experiences; such exercise serves to expand learning ability, build an analytical mindset in new learners, and underlines the importance of intelligent knowledge-gathering activities. Further, the cluster-driven approach may help learners refine the knowledge gathering process, thus uplifting the functionality of critical thinking flowcharts.
- To Conclude
A close reading of these paragraphs allows readers greater ability to mesh critical thinking flowcharts with learning objectives. Flow diagrams would thus be flexible models that promote the art, science and craft of modern thinking. On their part, learners and their guides may elect work together to explore the contours of critical thought, derive information from such exercises, and build new editions of flowchart-based learning ventures. Such exercises can elevate the concept of thinking inside visual paradigms; learners could also use such diagrams to explore the possibilities of critical thought, and apply the learning to school-based education routines.
Further, flow-based diagrams could serve as a mode of instruction for all grades of learners. Such an assertion can find its rightful place in policy-making, wherein those that devise education policy could include flowcharts in the mainstream of modern instruction. In addition, flow diagrams can help enrich the modalities of the learning process, thereby creating interesting new variation in curriculum-bound and classroom-based education. Hence, we could view the flowchart as an interesting expression of advancement, of expansion and growth in the domain of contemporary learning and education.
