Study Notes from Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking
21st Century World
The amazing achievements, surprising milestones, innovations, and change in modes of thinking
that the 21st century has ushered in have been met by an equally challenging demands of
meeting the possibilities of fulfillment and triumph – with all these things unfolding on a global
scale.
The Disciplined Mind
There is a discipline, as in art, craft, scholarly pursuit, or profession. And there is
discipline, referring to a continuation of practice and had work to remain at the top of
one’s game.
Mastery of more than one discipline is at premium.
The Synthesizing Mind
In his book Fire Minds for the Future, Howard Gardner, professor of cognition and
education of Harvard Graduate School of Education, stated that:
“In the Age of info-whelm, students are bombarded by information 24/7. We must help our
students learn to make use of information and media in meaningful ways. Those who develop a
synthesizing mind will rise to the top.”
Synthesizing is not a one-time process. New information must be acquired, probed, evaluated,
followed up with, or sidelined…there is constant reflection and thinking.
1. synthesizing To form (a material or abstract entity) by combining parts or elements
(opposed to analyze)
2. reflection A fixing of the thoughts of something; careful consideration
3. tinkering The act of making some small changes to something in an attempt to
improve it or repair it
Good synthesizers always keep an eye on the big picture while securing and arranging
the smaller details in useful ways; one must know what works for oneself and for those
who make use of synthesis.
Students who learned to make use of information and media in meaningful ways.
Shrewd triage becomes an imperative.
1. shrewd Having or showing a clever awareness or
21st Century World
The amazing achievements, surprising milestones, innovations, and change in modes of thinking
that the 21st century has ushered in have been met by an equally challenging demands of
meeting the possibilities of fulfillment and triumph – with all these things unfolding on a global
scale.
The Disciplined Mind
There is a discipline, as in art, craft, scholarly pursuit, or profession. And there is
discipline, referring to a continuation of practice and had work to remain at the top of
one’s game.
Mastery of more than one discipline is at premium.
The Synthesizing Mind
In his book Fire Minds for the Future, Howard Gardner, professor of cognition and
education of Harvard Graduate School of Education, stated that:
“In the Age of info-whelm, students are bombarded by information 24/7. We must help our
students learn to make use of information and media in meaningful ways. Those who develop a
synthesizing mind will rise to the top.”
Synthesizing is not a one-time process. New information must be acquired, probed, evaluated,
followed up with, or sidelined…there is constant reflection and thinking.
1. synthesizing To form (a material or abstract entity) by combining parts or elements
(opposed to analyze)
2. reflection A fixing of the thoughts of something; careful consideration
3. tinkering The act of making some small changes to something in an attempt to
improve it or repair it
Good synthesizers always keep an eye on the big picture while securing and arranging
the smaller details in useful ways; one must know what works for oneself and for those
who make use of synthesis.
Students who learned to make use of information and media in meaningful ways.
Shrewd triage becomes an imperative.
1. shrewd Having or showing a clever awareness or
