Mishara's Thinking Corner

System thinking  is a strategy to understand and solve complex problems by examining the interactions between various components of a system. It always focuses on the system as a whole. System thinking shows us that changes in one part of the system may have ripple effects on the whole system. So that we addressing a problem needs attention to the root cause of that particular problem.    The Iceberg model is a significant model that helps us to explain the concept of system thinking. Just like an iceberg, there are two parts in each system; one is visible and the other is invisible. The results or consequences we observe on the outside are the outcomes of several invisible root causes. By understanding the deeper parts we can have a better understanding of the system. They include beliefs, values, and assumptions that guide decision-making. So that we can develop more effective solutions. System thinking leads us to look beyond the surface level and to consider the context which occu

Sustainable development means the way of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. To ensure sustainable development, in 2015 United Nations established a set of 17 interconnected goals which are called, Sustainable Development Goals.    Goal 1: No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere. This goal was highly affected recently by the Covid-19 pandemic all over the world.   Goal 2: Zero Hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. About 1 in 10 people worldwide are suffering from hunger. Nearly 1 in 3 people lack regular access to adequate food. 149.2 million children under age 5 suffer from stunting. This goal is highly affected by climate change and growing inequalities.   Goal 3: Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Covid-19 hit this goal so hard. 500 million people worldwide were infected

The concept of "nearest school is the best school" is a commonly held belief that argues that children should attend the school closest to their home, rather than a school that may be farther away but considered better in terms of academic performance or other factors. This concept is based on the idea that attending a school close to home has several benefits, including: Convenience: Students can easily travel to and from school without having to travel long distances, reducing travel time and costs. Community involvement: Attending a local school allows students and families to be more involved in the school and the surrounding community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Increased social support: Students who attend local schools may have more social support from friends and family in the same community, leading to better mental health and well-being. Environmental benefits: Reducing travel time and distance can also lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and

Practicing critical thinking involves actively engaging with information, ideas, and arguments in a thoughtful, analytical, and reflective way. Here are some strategies for practicing critical thinking: Question assumptions: Be aware of your own assumptions and biases, and actively challenge them. Ask questions that probe deeper into the underlying assumptions and reasoning behind arguments. Evaluate evidence: Assess the credibility, relevance, and quality of evidence that supports an argument. Look for gaps in evidence and consider alternative explanations or counterarguments. Consider multiple perspectives: Take into account different perspectives and viewpoints, even if they are different from your own. Seek out diverse sources of information and actively consider how different people might approach a problem. Analyze arguments: Evaluate the logic, coherence, and consistency of arguments. Identify fallacies or weaknesses in reasoning and consider alternative interpretations. Ref

Asking the right question is a critical part of smart thinking and problem-solving. Here are some strategies for asking the right questions: Clarify the problem: Before you can ask the right question, you need to have a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve. Ask yourself what the problem is, why it matters, and what the desired outcome is. Reframe the question: Sometimes, the way we frame a question can influence the answers we get. Consider reframing the question in different ways to get a broader or more nuanced perspective. Consider multiple perspectives: Asking the right question requires taking into account different perspectives and viewpoints. Try to see the problem from different angles and consider how different people might approach it. Use open-ended questions: Open-ended questions allow for more in-depth exploration and can lead to a deeper understanding of the problem. Avoid closed-ended questions that only require a yes or no answer. Challenge as

Social dimensions refer to the various social factors that can influence the way we think, act, and communicate. These can include cultural norms, social hierarchies, power dynamics, and group dynamics. Here are some strategies for dealing with social dimensions: Develop cultural competence: It's important to understand and respect the cultural norms and values of the people you are interacting with. This can involve learning about different cultural traditions, beliefs, and practices, and being sensitive to the ways in which these can impact communication and decision-making. Be aware of power dynamics: Power dynamics can have a significant impact on communication and decision-making, especially in hierarchical organizations or social structures. Be mindful of power imbalances and try to create an environment where all voices are heard and respected. Foster inclusive communication: Encourage open communication and active listening to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. U

Attitude towards smart thinking can have a significant influence on how individuals approach and engage in critical thinking. A positive attitude towards smart thinking can encourage individuals to be open-minded, curious, and willing to consider different perspectives and ideas. It can also motivate individuals to seek out information, ask questions, and evaluate evidence critically. On the other hand, a negative attitude towards smart thinking can lead to closed-mindedness, a reluctance to question assumptions, and a resistance to considering different perspectives. This can result in individuals being more likely to accept information without critical evaluation, and less likely to engage in deep and meaningful analysis. Attitude towards smart thinking can also impact individuals' willingness to learn and adapt to new situations. A positive attitude towards smart thinking can foster a growth mindset, which encourages individuals to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and co

Arguments and explanations are both ways of conveying information, but they serve different purposes and have different structures. An argument is a collection of claims that are made in support of a particular conclusion. The goal of an argument is to persuade someone to accept a particular viewpoint or conclusion. Arguments typically consist of a premise, which is a claim that supports the conclusion, and a conclusion, which is the claim being argued for. Arguments often involve reasoning, evidence, and logic to support the claims being made. An explanation, on the other hand, is a statement that clarifies or makes clear why something happened or is the way it is. The goal of an explanation is to increase understanding or knowledge. Explanations typically do not involve trying to persuade someone to accept a particular viewpoint or conclusion, but rather to provide a reason for something that has already been accepted as true. The structure of an argument and an explanation is also

Identifying claims and arguments is an essential part of critical thinking and analyzing information. Here's a brief explanation of how to identify claims and arguments: A claim is a statement that asserts something to be true or false. It can be a factual statement, an opinion, or an argument. Claims are often made to persuade others to accept a particular viewpoint. They can be explicit, meaning they are stated directly, or implicit, meaning they are implied. An argument is a collection of claims that are made in support of a particular conclusion. Arguments are used to persuade others to accept a particular viewpoint. They usually consist of a premise, which is a claim that supports the conclusion, and a conclusion, which is the claim being argued for. Arguments can be explicit or implicit. To identify claims and arguments, follow these steps: Look for statements that assert something to be true or false. These are likely to be claims. Identify the conclusion of the argument, w

Arguments can be an essential part of smart thinking, as they allow you to examine and evaluate different perspectives, ideas, and information critically. Here are some ways in which arguments can contribute to smart thinking: Encourages critical thinking:  Arguments provide a platform for individuals to analyze and critically evaluate different perspectives. They help to identify flaws in reasoning, biases, and logical fallacies in arguments. Promotes problem-solving:  Engaging in arguments can help individuals explore different solutions to a problem, consider various perspectives, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Increases understanding:  By engaging in arguments, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives, ideas, and concepts. They can learn from opposing viewpoints, expand their knowledge base, and develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. Sharpens communication skills:  Through arguments, individuals can improve

Reasoning is indeed the core of smart thinking. Reasoning is the ability to think logically and systematically, to make sense of complex information, and to draw conclusions based on evidence and data. Without sound reasoning skills, it can be difficult to evaluate information effectively and make informed decisions. There are several types of reasoning, including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, and abductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning involves drawing a conclusion from a set of premises, while inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations. Abductive reasoning involves using incomplete information to come up with the best possible explanation for a given situation. To improve your reasoning skills, it's important to practice critical thinking and problem-solving. This can involve asking questions, gathering and analyzing data, and considering alternative viewpoints. It's also important to be aware of your own biases and assump

Smart thinking involves using critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate, and apply information to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively. It requires the ability to think logically, creatively, and abstractly, as well as the willingness to consider multiple perspectives and potential outcomes. Some strategies for smart thinking include: Asking questions: Asking open-ended questions can help you gather more information, challenge assumptions, and uncover hidden biases. Analyzing and evaluating information: This involves examining evidence, identifying patterns, and assessing the credibility of sources. Applying logic and reasoning: Using logic and reasoning to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions can help you make informed decisions. Being open-minded: Being open to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback can help you expand your thinking and consider alternative solutions. Considering multiple perspectives: Considering different viewpoints and perspectives can hel