THINKING TYPE

Thinking Type: An Examination of Cognitive Style Differences

Cognitive styles have been a topic of interest for researchers for decades. The concept of thinking type has been around for a long time but has only recently been studied in depth. This article examines the concept of thinking type, its implications for academic and professional success, and the potential implications for teaching.

The concept of thinking type refers to a person’s cognitive style, which is defined as their preferred way of processing and understanding information. There are two main types of thinking styles: convergent and divergent. Convergent thinkers tend to focus on the facts and details, while divergent thinkers tend to think more abstractly and look for creative solutions to problems.

Research has shown that thinking type can have an impact on academic and professional success. Convergent thinkers tend to do better in academic settings, while divergent thinkers may be more successful in creative fields. Additionally, research suggests that there may be a link between thinking type and personality traits. For example, research has suggested that convergent thinkers are more likely to be conscientious and analytic, while divergent thinkers may be more likely to be open to new experiences and creative.

The implications of thinking type for teaching are also important. For example, research suggests that the teaching style of a classroom should be tailored to the thinking type of the students. For example, if a classroom is full of convergent thinkers, the teacher should focus on teaching factual information and providing detailed explanations of concepts. If the classroom is full of divergent thinkers, the teacher should focus on providing open-ended questions and encouraging creative thinking.

In conclusion, the concept of thinking type has implications for academic and professional success, as well as teaching. Understanding thinking type can help teachers tailor their teaching style to the needs of their students, and can also help individuals identify their own cognitive styles in order to better understand themselves and their capabilities.

References

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Moon, J. A. (2008). A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. Abingdon, GB: Routledge.

Rothstein, M. G., & Jackson, D. N. (1981). Cognitive style: An overview. Psychological Bulletin, 90(3), 441–456.

Schmeck, R. R. (Ed.). (1988). Learning strategies and learning styles. New York, NY: Plenum Press.

Vanderheiden, K. (2013). Cognitive style and career success: Implications for counseling. Journal of Career Development, 40(4), 385–405.

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