1) Characteristics of Critical Thinking

  What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of objectively analyzing information and arguments by considering their credibility, relevance, and logical consistency.

Critical thinking enables individuals to question assumptions, challenge their own beliefs and assumptions, and consider alternative perspectives. It requires an open-minded approach to information and a willingness to consider multiple viewpoints.

   Why it is important?

Critical thinking allows people to have a better understanding of themselves, their motives, and their goals. You can modify your situation and promote personal growth and overall satisfaction if you can derive knowledge to discover the most significant pieces and apply those to your life.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/importance-of-critical-thinking

 Benefits of critical thinking.

·       It helps to improve decision making.

·       Enhances problem-solving ability.

·       Refine your research skills.

·       Polishes your creativity.

·       Stimulates Curiosity.

Characteristics of Critical Thinking

1)Active Listening

Critical thinkers who actively listen are better able to organize the material they hear, comprehend its context or relevance, identify unstated assumptions, connect concepts logically, and draw conclusions.

Examples of active Listening:-

·       Asking open-ended questions

·       Verbal Affirmations

·       Disclosing similar situations

·       Paraphrasing

·       Waiting to disclose your opinion.

 

https://fellow.app/blog/productivity/how-to-practice-active-listening-at-work-key-techniques-to-become-a-better-leader/#pay

 

2)Being Curious

 

It makes your thinking active rather than inactive. Curious people are continually asking questions and looking for answers. Their thoughts are constantly busy. Because the mind is like a muscle that grows stronger with continuous exercise, the mental exercise caused by curiosity strengthens your mind.

https://www.lifehack.org/286133/heres-why-curiosity-extremely-important

3) Being Disciplined

Discipline builds habits, habits generate routines, and routines establish who you are on a daily basis. The virtue of discipline is the ability to do what has to be done. Not only does practice help one to build a favorable action. It helps us train our brains and bodies, allowing us to focus on our goals and manage our emotions.

How to being disciplined?

·       Choose a Goal

·       Find Your Motivation.

·       Identify Obstacles.

·       Replace Old Habits.

·       Monitor Your Progress.

 

4)Being Humble

Humble individuals are open to seeing themselves objectively and value input. Errors and blunders serve as feedback on one's own behavior. So humble people see value in their own mistakes and the information they provide. This offers them an advantage over the competition.

Case Study:-

How to Improve Sri Lankan Cricket?

I spent around one and half hours discussing this case study with my group members. We discussed our thoughts and argued with one another. Finally, we devised solutions. This case study demonstrates how much we rely on certain characteristics when we think critically.

1)Develop Grassroots Cricket: It's important to identify young talent and provide them with the proper training and resources to develop their skills. This can be achieved through establishing cricket academies, introducing cricket in schools, and conducting coaching clinics.

2)Infrastructure Development: Having the proper infrastructure is crucial for the growth of cricket. This includes developing cricket grounds, stadiums, and training facilities.

3)Strengthen Domestic Cricket: Domestic cricket is the backbone of any cricketing nation. Sri Lanka should focus on improving the quality of its domestic cricket competitions and provide its domestic players with better opportunities to showcase their skills.

4)Attracting and Retaining Talent: Retaining and attracting talented players is essential for the long-term success of Sri Lankan cricket. The board should provide better remuneration packages, more job security, and other incentives to retain its top players.

5)Coaching and Training: Sri Lanka should focus on developing a world-class coaching and training system. This will help improve the skills of current players and provide a solid foundation for the next generation of cricketers.

6)Better Governance: Good governance is essential for any organization to function effectively. The Sri Lankan cricket board needs to be transparent, accountable, and efficient in its operations.

By implementing these strategies, Sri Lanka can develop a strong cricketing culture and produce a consistently competitive team at the international level.