Running head: CLASS DISCUSSION RESPONSE 1

Class Discussion Response

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation
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Class Discussion Response

Discussion 1

Effective reading is crucial to effective research and writing. To develop and refine my

critical reading skills, there are various tips that I need to work on. First, I will require to identify

the reasons for reading a specific text to organize my reading and use the content from the

reading for my research. Second, I will conduct a number of readings for my research so as to get

a closer understanding of a text. While reading a text, I will use a pencil to highlight key points

and statements or areas that might sound a bit confusing so that I will look them up later. It is

also essential that I understand the purpose of a text and give a synopsis of the text's key claims.

Sometimes, an author's background can influence what they write; hence to critically evaluate a

text, I will need to understand an author's authority and agenda [ CITATION Uni04 \l 1033 ]. At the

same time, I will have to understand my reading strategies, including my reading speed, ability to

maintain focus when reading a text. By understanding such practices, I will be able to recognize

areas that need improvement and come up with strategies on how to improve them.

Discussion 2

One of my biggest writing problem is not being able to thoroughly express my ideas.

Based on the feedback, I would say that I am likely to experience writer's block whenever I am

confronted with a less appealing topic. In cases where I experience a writer’s block, I find it

challenging to complete a project. Sometimes I might have an idea in my head, but I am unable

to fully express it on a piece of paper; hence I am unable to fully deliver in my research projects.

I am currently working on improving on the area by clearly outlining my claims before

beginning my essay. After identifying my key claims, I search for evidence to support my claims
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and plan a sample outline to guide me with my research project. I also get rid of my writer’s

block by reading through sample research papers and outlining crucial content that is useful to

my research. Comparing my final dissertation to my previous written assignments, I would note

that my plot development and expression of ideas in my research papers have significantly

improved.

Discussion 3

Creative thinking is a great companion to critical thinking. Both skills are crucial during

research. To become a great scholarly writer, I need to be able to integrate new research designs

in a project, approach research problems from different perspectives, or offer recommendations

based on research results. All these skills require critical thinking. Since critical thinking

sometimes eclipses creative thinking hence, I need to find ways to effectively blend both skills

during my doctoral research process. As a creative thinker, I need to be open-minded and

accommodative. The creative thinking process occurs when an individual generates original

productive solutions to a problem. There are five stages in the creative thinking process:

preparation, incubation, insight, evaluation, and elaboration. In the research process, creative

research is important because it enables individuals to unlock their best ideas [ CITATION Wen20 \l

1033 ]. The information can be collected from various sources, including experience and

observation. Creative thinking can be used to draw related ideas and concepts from research

resources, invent theories and methodologies, as well as think beyond the typical way research

problems are portrayed and identified in a research proposal. Creative thinking is also used to

identify imaginative ways individuals can present findings and imagine new ways to apply what

they have learned from the study. At the end of the day, it is essential that I understand the

symbiotic relationship between creative and critical thinking, especially in research.

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Discussion 4

There are several steps that I am taking to become a more accomplished critical thinker.

First, I have made it my habit to become a continuous learner, whereby I continuously listen to

online lectures, attend conferences, and read past research to inform myself more about a topic.

Second, I am more open to listening to new and unconventional opinions. I also practice active

listening so as to focus on and understand different perspectives while seeking new solutions to

old problems [ CITATION Col00 \l 1033 ]. I have also learned that it is important that I become more

self-aware and understand my mental process. By doing so, I will be able to evaluate how I

receive information and process information. Becoming a more accomplished critical thinker

means that I am able to identify my own prejudices and how these prejudices and how they are

likely to influence my solutions and decisions; hence I will be able to act more objectively. At

the same time, I am attending team-building practices activities and meeting up with a mentor so

as to improve my critical thinking skills. A mentor helps me develop various skills in addition to

my ability to collaborate in decision making and problem-solving.

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References

Collins, K. M., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2000). Relationship between Critical Thinking and

Performance in Research Methodology Courses.

Gould, W. R. (2020, June 26). Five Key Stages Of The Creative Process. Retrieved from

skillshare.com: https://www.skillshare.com/blog/learn/stages-of-the-creative-process

University of Minnesota. (2004). Critical Reading Strategies. . Retrieved from Quick Tips:

http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/criticalread.pdf