Recognizing the Problem Is the Place to Start
Do you sometimes feel like you’re on the receiving end of a firehose of information that just never stops? That the only way to control it would be to cut off the flow, to turn it off? But, because we want the information, we “can’t” or don’t want to disengage so we find ourselves resorting to sorting and judging information quicker and quicker, which means superficially. Who’s got the time to drill deep anymore? The effect of our technology is leading us to think this way. The technology, whether intentional or not, is training our children to process content similarly as well.
Most of us will admit that our opinions are shaped by the sources and platforms we use to get our information. That’s true for our children too. More and more we find ourselves relying on these sources to do the heavy lifting of critical thinking for us. Our sources are trustworthy. But, if a mistake is made, our benevolent fact checkers will point out the error of their ways to us. So, we’re covered, right? Of course not.
It’s time to take back our responsibility to think critically. First, for ourselves. Then we can teach our children to do the same.
Over the next five or so articles, I’ll be sharing a rule a week to help you do this for yourself and which you can pass on to your children. I’ll be building on an article, 5 Personal Rules for Reading Disagreeable Books, written by Joel Miller last month so if you want to cut to the chase and not have to wait for my expanded version, click here
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
We have an e-book, How to Ask Questions That Matter, which explains how to teach your child to think critically when it comes to taking an achievement test. We think you’ll find it helpful!
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Attention High Schoolers!
North Clackamas Christian School will be hosting the Clackamas County Christian College Fair on September 23, 2024, from 1 – 3 pm. Twenty colleges and universities will be present. Representatives will be available to answer your questions about their schools. The organizers of the event are recommending that you register ahead of time. To register, go to: https://www.findyourchristiancollege.com/
