Learn to Think, Think to Learn
Are you looking to improve your learning and working skills?
If so, understanding the different types of thinking styles can help you approach problems and tasks in a way that suits your strengths. You can become a more effective and efficient learner. The trick is recognizing which types of thinking you are proficient in and which ones you could improve.
This post will:
- list and details the main ways of thinking,
- explain how to recognize which type you are already good at,
- explain how to improve on a specific type of thinking.
Ways of Thinking
First off, it’s important to note that everyone has their own unique combination of thinking styles. You may already have one or more ways of thinking that you’re proficient in and want to improve the others. Or maybe you’re not sure which thinking styles you’re using and want to become more conscious of them.
There are several types of thinking out there, including abstract, concrete, critical, creative, divergent, convergent, analytical, and holistic thinking. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing which ones you’re proficient in can help you choose the best approach to tackle a problem.
Abstract Thinking. Abstract thinking involves using symbols and concepts to connect and relate ideas to the big picture. It’s great for solving problems and finding hidden meanings.
It shows when you use analogies, metaphors, and visualizations.
For instance, you might use abstract thinking to determine which programming language is better to learn.
Concrete Thinking. Concrete thinking is more literal and direct. It involves understanding and applying facts. It’s great for solving more immediate problems and day-to-day tasks.
It shows when you use real-world examples and applications, or when leading hands-on activities.
For instance, you might use concrete thinking to figure out how to pay for a course.
Critical Thinking. Critical thinking involves analyzing information and evaluating its accuracy, relevance, and logical soundness. Critical thinkers are able to identify and assess biases, assumptions, and fallacies.
It shows when you ask questions, analyze arguments, and consider alternative viewpoints.
For example, you might use critical thinking to determine if a bootcamp is the best option for you.
Creative Thinking. Creative thinking involves coming up with new and innovative ideas. Creative thinkers are able to see the world in new ways and find solutions to problems that others may not have considered.
It shows when you engage in free associations, use metaphors, and analogies.
For instance, you might use creative thinking to come up with one word that represents you.
Divergent Thinking. Divergent thinking involves generating multiple solutions to a problem. Divergent thinkers are able to come up with creative, and original ideas to the same problem. Some of them might also be not applicable for some reason.
It shows when you do mind maps, storyboards, and role-playing.
For example, you might use divergent thinking to come up with solutions for getting some experience for a job you have never done. Some of this solutions might be creative but not very practical.
Convergent Thinking. Convergent thinking involves finding one solution to a problem, the solution which is also the best solution to the problem. If you have a strong convergent thinking, you are usually not very active during brainstorming. You’d have the best solution in one try and no other solution to list. Convergent thinkers are able to focus on details and identify the most logical solution.
It shows when you have only one answer to a problem, and it takes into account all the restrictions.
For example, you might use convergent thinking to determine the best solution for getting some experience for a job you have never done. In this case the solution will be only one and it will be covering all angles to the problem.
Analytical Thinking. Analytical thinking involves breaking down information into smaller parts and examining how the parts relate to each other. Analytical thinkers are able to see the big picture and understand how the different parts fit into it.
It shows when you build case studies, solve problems, and perform data analysis.
For instance, you might use analytical thinking to decide which course is best for you. You’d be making a list of topics — price, remote/onsite, materials — and check what different courses offer for each one.
Holistic Thinking. Holistic thinking involves viewing the world as a whole and understanding how the different parts of a system interact with each other. They are also good at understanding the context of a problem and how it relates to other problems.
It shows when you use system theory or chaos theory.
For example, you might use holistic thinking to determine how the course is going to fit into your life schedule.
If you feel like you have a different way of thinking than the ones listed here, it might very well be. Everyone is different, and everyone has their own combinations of ways of thinking and their way to apply them.
How to indentify the types of thinking you are already good at
Knowing which thinking styles you have will empower you to apply them when needed. For instance, creative thinking is ideal for brainstorming birthday gift ideas for your partner. But it may not be the best approach for morning stand-up meetings.
To learn to recognize your thinking patterns, you can
- start by being mindful and periodically asking yourself which type of thinking you are using. All of us think all day long, so there is no need to find any specific time. Every once in a while stop and trace back your line of thoughts.
- Ask someone who knows you well to help you identify your thinking patterns, sometime things are easier to see from the outside.
- Take an online questionnaire to determine them.
How to improve a chosen type of thinking
You can also decide to improve thinking styles you believe are useful but are not confident in at the moment. There are several ways to improve your thinking skills:
- challenge yourself by solving problems that require different types of thinking,
- learn from others by watching videos, reading books and articles about different types of thinking,
- talk to people who excel at different types of thinking, ask them about their thinking habits and how they manage them, and practice using different types of thinking.
Whichever way you decide is best for you, remember:
Clear thinking requires courage rather than intelligence. — Thomas Szasz
To sum it up
In conclusion, understanding the different types of thinking styles can help you become a better problem solver and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional lives. By recognizing your thinking styles and improving your skills, you can become a more effective and efficient learner.
So go ahead, challenge yourself, learn from others, and practice using different types of thinking — you’ll be amazed at the results!
