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Brain Teaser #1
◦ Consider the following clues. Two examples are
given to help you get started. Answer the following
3 teasers based on the clues:
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Ex1: 4 W on a C = Four Wheels on a Car
Ex2: 13 O C = Thirteen Original Colonies
A.) I H a D by MLK
B.) 2 Ps in a P
C.) SW and the 7 D
Brain Teaser #2 Connect the dots:
 Connect all nine dots
with 4 straight lines
without removing your
pencil from the paper,
do not retrace your
lines:
Bonus! – What is the Amygdala?
Chapter Six:
Think
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Focus on relevant issues/problems
Gather key information
Understand and organize thoughts and facts
Analyze problems and causes
Mange priorities and develop plans
Assist in problem-solving skills
Help you control your emotional reactions
Produce new knowledge
Help you determine the accuracy of
information
Assist you in detecting bias and persuasion in
argument
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STEP ONE: Understanding and Using Emotional
Intelligence
STEP TWO: Looking at Things Differently
STEP THREE: Managing Information and Becoming
Information Literate
STEP FOUR: Asking Questions and Tolerating
Uncertainty
STEP FIVE: Identifying, Defining, Narrowing, and
Solving Problems
STEP SIX: Distinguishing Fact and Opinion
STEP SEVEN: Seeking Truth in Arguments and
Persuasion
STEP EIGHT: Thinking Creatively and being
Resourceful
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Part of the brain’s
emotional system
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Protects us when we
are afraid or upset
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Feelings before
thought
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“Fight or flight?” based
on previous experience
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger
leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
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Look at:
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Common issues with uncommon eyes
Known problems with new skepticism
Everyday conflicts with probing curiosity
Daily challenges with attention to detail
Clues and patterns
 Question
#1
 I H a D by MLK
 I Had a Dream by Martin Luther
King
 2 Ps in a P
 Two Peas in a Pod
 SW and the 7 D
 Snow White and the 7 Dwarves
Question 2 - Connect
the dots:
 Connect all nine dots
with 4 straight lines
without removing your
pencil from the paper,
do not retrace your
lines:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Determine what information you need
Establish where to find information and
how much is needed
Evaluate the reliability and accuracy of the
information gathered
Decide how to best use this information
Determine how to document your sources
clearly and precisely
3 Types of Questions:
1. Questions of Fact – “What time does class
start?”
2. Questions of Preference – “Would you like fries
with that?”
3. Questions of Judgment – “Should we eliminate
the speed limit on major highways?”
Uncertainty causes humanity to move forward and
create new knowledge,
to keep asking questions and seeking truth,
to let go and accept we will not know all the
answers immediately
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A fact can be proven (objectively verified)
An opinion has no objective proof
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To distinguish fact v. opinion:
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◦ Take nothing for granted
◦ Consider who is making the assertion
◦ Listen for what is not said
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Ad baculum – Persuasion based on force.
Ad hominem – Personal Attack, slander.
Ad populum – Argument based on majority.
Ad verecundiam – Quotes people in authority.
Bandwagon – Peer pressure.
Scare tactic – If you/we don’t, something bad will
happen.
Straw argument – Going on the offensive to discount
other arguments.
Appeal to tradition – “It’s the way we always do it.”
Plain folks – “We’re just alike, you should agree with
me.”
Patriotism – Ignore logic for what is right for your
country.
Glittering generalities – Appeal to popular
generalizations “Truth, Justice, and the American Way!”
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Aspect of critical thinking
Producing something that is uniquely yours
Requires internal resourcefulness
Characteristics: compassion, courage, truth,
dreams, risk-taking, innovation, competition,
individuality, curiosity, perseverance
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Use credible, reliable sources
Learn to distinguish fact from opinion
Be flexible and avoid generalizations
Use emotional intelligence and restraint
Avoid stereotyping and prejudice and strive
for objectivity
Reserve judgment
Do not assume – do the legwork and ask
questions
Distinguish symptoms from problems
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Journals Due
◦ A Modest Proposal…
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Guest Speaker – John Robertson – Career
Services (Student Employment)
First Event Write Up due Sept 29th (Next
Wednesday)
Questions?