Avni used to love playing with her friends. Her group had 4 friends. Two of them loved playing games which involved running and the other two liked to sit but solve puzzles. They couldn’t think of any such game, so they suggested playing separately. But Avni enjoyed playing with all of them. So, she decided to plan a game which involved both running and solving a puzzle.
Then she thought about the playground itself—there were wide-open spaces for running, but also benches for her other two friends to sit and talk.
Avni decided on a game called “Mission Masters” wherein one team member would try to understand the clue and the other member would run and find the object in the playground. The runners could handle the active parts, while the puzzle lovers could focus on solving clues. Avni’s friends loved the game!
Avni could plan a new game for her friends because she could observe the problem and wanted to solve it. Moreover, for planning a new game she considered certain factors which were part of her critical thinking. Some of the important factors she considered were:
1. Setting Clear Objectives:
- Define Goals: Use critical thinking to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant goals. Consider why these goals are important and how they align with your broader objectives. Avni was clear that she wanted to create a game where all her friends could play together.
2. Developing a Strategic Approach:
- Analyse Resources: Assess the resources (time, materials, support) you have available. Determine how best to allocate these resources to achieve your goals.
- Evaluate Alternatives: Consider different approaches to achieving your objectives. Weigh the pros and cons of all options, choose the one that is most likely to be effective given the constraints and goals.
- Plan for Contingencies: Use problem-solving skills to anticipate challenges or setbacks. Develop contingency plans for how to handle these situations if they arise.
3. Monitoring and Adjusting:
- Track Progress: Regularly check how your plan is progressing. Are you on track to meet your goals? If not, analyze the reasons why and adjust your plan accordingly.
- Reflect on Effectiveness: After completing a plan, reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Use this reflection to improve future planning efforts but avoid overthinking past actions to the point that it undermines your confidence.
