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Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking

Critical thinking is distinguished as convergent thinking, and creative thinking as divergent thinking by Baker and Rudd (2001). Likewise ACARA (2017) distinguishes these as two non-interchangeable thinking skills.

However, Munro (n.d.) discusses stages of creative thinking, one of which presented by Cropley and Urban (2000; cited in Munro, n.d.), which involve a preparation stage where convergent thinking is involved, and an incubation stage where divergent thinking is involved. In other words, Cropley and Urban (2000) suggest that critical thinking is a process involved within creative thinking, rather than what might be considered an alternate thinking process.

Thoughts to consider:

Is there a perception that critical thinking is an intellectual pursuit and creativity is not?

Is critical thinking, as subconscious or conscious thought, an intrinsic process of creative thinking?

References

ACARA (2017). Critical and Creative Thinking. Excerpt retrieved from http://v7-5.australiancurriculum.edu.au/GeneralCapabilities/Pdf/Critical-and-creative-thinking

Baker, & Rudd, (2001). Journal of Southern Agriculture Education Research 51(1), 173-188.

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