Superior thinkers process information in a lateral manner, not linear. Unfortunately, most people are linear thinkers and only a few are lateral. Schools with teaching processes that encourage rote memorization and regurgitation for tests reinforce linear thinking patterns.
Linear thinking is characterized by exclusivity (if A is true, then B must be false) and narrow, literal interpretation. Lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic.
Using alternative ways to do the same thing also exhibits lateral thinking.
No comments:
Post a Comment