Critical thinking is an important part of nearly everything I do. Whether I am coming up with a lab process for a chemistry class I am taking, or simply trying to figure out how to get my daughter to stop touching something, I try to think of a clear and concise way of getting it done. I always look for a way that will result in minimal effort on my part, because it was done right the first time. Truthfully I am slightly lazy and don’t like to do things more than once if it can be avoided by simply doing it right the first time.
When I read, I always try to go beyond the text and form opinions, ask questions, or anything to make me understand what exactly I am reading better. If it is something I am truly interested in I like to read it in triplicate, as well as take notes to make sure I haven’t missed anything, and understand it fully. This may seem a little excessive, but I have found it is the best method for me.
One part of my critical thinking skills needs desperate attention though. I am horrible at writing. I can technically write ok, but my writing process is miserable. I can’t think straight when told to. I ALWAYS wait until the last minute, because I loathe it so much. Then I end up panicking, putting something down, half the time I don’t even proof read it, and turn in whatever it is I got. I usually cry at least once during this process. Sad, I know. I have tried to get out of this habit, but usually end up doing the same thing for every assignment I get. If I do start anything earlier than the night before it’s due, I usually chicken scratch sentences all over paper, then try to organize them on the computer into comprehensive sentences. This is still not much better. Though, it at least has some type of proofing/draft thing going on.
I am hoping this class will help me learn new habits for my writing process. To teach me how to organize my thoughts better and transfer them from mind to paper in a much less stressful way. I need to learn to outline my thoughts, research information supporting it, and put it together in a manner that isn’t last second and chaotic.
Chaotic is the perfect way to explain my critical thinking skills during writing. Even now, as I writing this simple blog, I am trying to do everything possible to avoid it. Looking at stupid websites on the internet, telling myself I will just turn it in late, staring off into space. This assignment is nothing compared to what I am sure we have in store for us. I really hope if nothing else, I can learn to organize not procrastinate so much. I am taking 22 units between Antelope Valley College and CSU Bakersfield this quarter. No time for procrastination. I must think critically about how every second is spent.
I’m doomed.
