Tools for Improving Your Critical Thinking

Stories off Email Postings to Test Your Critical Thinking

Introduction to these Stories:

This section of the Tools for Improving Your Critical Thinking self-help course is intended to provide you with a variety of examples and samples of the various constructs which go into the whole process of critical thinking.

Like most of you, I get an incredible number of stories, poems, and other tidbits over the emails. I decided to use these email messages and turn them into teaching tools to bring home the message we are trying to elicit in this self-help course.

The stories are broken down into the following categories:

Perceptions: what our senses tell us about a situation, which may not always be valid or correct.
Assumptions: what we assume to be true based on our sensory input and perceptions but need to be validated before we proceed to act upon them.
Metaphors: powerful figures of speech which are used to tell a story or give a message in such a way that the receiver can better visualize and understand the message being sent.
Language: words have power and can rule our thinking, however it is important that we determine the meanings behind the words used prior to reacting to or acting on them.
Logic: is the methodology by which we go about our critical thinking. It is important however that it be based on reality, is validated, and leads us to rational, sound, and productive thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making.

This stories section is a living document. It will continuously grow as I get examples which fit our message in this course. So if you have a favorite email story which you think fits this course send to me at jjmess@tampabay.rr.com.

Speaking of Emails. Here is a cute poem which really talks about this new phenomenon by which these stories, poems, and jokes are being transmitted:

Emails-Messages from the Heart

Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding emails to us without writing a single word...
maybe this could explain why...
When you have nothing to say,
Still want to keep contact,
Guess what you do,
You forward emails.

When you have something to say,
But don't know how,
Guess what you do,
You forward emails.

When you have something to say,
But don't know why,
Guess what you do,
You forward emails.

When you are still wanted,
When you are still remembered,
When you are still important,
When you are still loved,
When you are still cared for,
Guess what you get,
A forwarded email.

So dear friends, next time a letter is forwarded you by email, keep in mind that you have been remembered in the heart of another friend.

Remember if you are a recipient of an email which you think would fit perfectly into this Critical Thinking site please forward it on and designate in your subject area: For Critical Thinking Site.

Thank You,

Jim Messina, Ph.D.

Coping.org is a Public Service of James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance M. Messina, Ph.D., Email: jjmess@tampabay.rr.com ©1999-2007 James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance Messina, Ph.D. Note: Original materials on this site may be reproduced for your personal, educational, or noncommercial use as long as you credit the authors and website.