Critical thinking is one of those skills that, for myself, I probably take for granted. My mind works very practically. I like to work with my hands. I don't like asking for help. I like to fix things myself. I can look at a situation and pretty-much develop a course of action and a method of execution to get it resolved.
I like to solve problems myself.
But more and more, I'm seeing a trend. A disturbing trend. Internet search bars and chat forums are becoming venues for getting answers. For solving problems. Put in part of your question, Google autofills the rest the rest and an algorithm points you to an answer.
"An" answer. Not necessarily "the" answer…
On this episode of the Construction Engineering Show, I rant a bit on critical thinking and how important it is for engineers and construction professionals to use the one tool that has been trained to solve problems - The tool between our ears.
If you're interested in reading more of my thoughts, I wrote an article titled Googling Isn't Engineering that dives into this topic in some detail.
Connect with me and let me know what you think - Cheers!!
LinkedIn: Bob Hildebranski, PE
Website: Hildebranski.com
