14. starptautiskā konference 2012 - Latvijas Jūras akadēmija

Proceedings of 14th International conference „Maritime Transport and Infrastructure - 2012”A. Buzan is the author of several books and an educational consultant suggests variousguidelines in order to effectively structurise a mind map [1]. Professor Thomas Teepe develops themind mapping strategies for math problem solutions that are based on great ideas of G. Polya, A.Engel and other famous mathematicians [2].45%40%35%30%25%20%15%10%5%0%40%19% 18%13%6%3%1%1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1045678910Fig. 2: Winter session resultsCritical thinkingCritical thinking (CT) is another method used to ease the process of learning. It studies a topicor a problem with an open mind, meaning that it allows questioning some statements and acceptingothers. CT allows a deep analysis of the subject that is being learned, in our case that is the subject ofcalculus. The definition of the subject is given on homepage of Critical Thinking Community [3]:„Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfullyconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, orgenerated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to beliefand action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subjectmatter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons,depth, breadth, and fairness.”To begin with, one must develop a frame of reference, pointing out what he already knowsabout the given subject. Then, question what opinions and prejudices you already have about thesubject, generalizing what you have red or been told about it already.Next, estimate available literature and information resource; while doing so note, that youmust refer to multiple resources and choose an open-mind approach. In case you find no relevantinformation, refer to people who may know something about the given subject. You have the right toaccept or refuse the resources you might find.Last but not least, define the terms, during which the planned work amount will have beencomplete. Method of CT is suitable for mastering calculus course too. For example, professor ofCuesta College USA M.D. Turner shows several methods of CT applications to develop deeperstudents’ comprehension of the given subject [4].Both approaches can be successfully used while learning calculus; furthermore, such methods areapplicable to a wide range of other topics, such as philosophy, economics, physics etc.87