What a new way of life we are experiencing since COVID19 arrived! It has certainly added to the stress tertiary students are dealing with, and seeking help is a courageous and practical action. There are so many different challenges and Dux Student Support is here to help you navigate these.
How to Use Thinking Skills to Study Under Lockdown
The second half of the Dux 10/10 Online Curriculum focuses on thinking skills and a growth mindset.
6. Creative Thinking - involves characteristics of both reasoning and imagination. Creative thinking is a process in which the individual generates an original, unusual, and productive solution to a problem. It is defined as personal, imaginative thinking which produces a new, novel, and useful solution.
COVID19 example: “I need a mask but can’t sew. Let’s try a folded bandana and two elastics.”
Studying example: “It is really noisy, so I will stick cotton wool in my ears when I need to study.”
7. Critical Thinking- means making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought-out. It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to, but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions.
COVID19 example: “It doesn’t seem plausible that this pandemic is a hoax. There are too many opposite groups that are in agreement.”
Studying example: “I am sure the communiqué about exams from Wits is more likely to be true than Nolo’s rumour that they will be cancelled.”
8. Solution-focused Thinking (divergent thinking) - involves coming up with solutions, paths forward, or new ideas when there is no single correct answer.
COVID19 example: The testing of various criteria such as drugs (hydroxychloroquine), existing inoculations (BCG), degrees of illness (age, gender, socio-economic, viral load).
Studying example: “Even with cotton wool in my ears, it is hard to study. Maybe I should chat to my family, study when everyone’s asleep, work outside…”
9. Innovative Thinking- is defined as being borne from unique thinking. By generating ideas that are odd or rare, divergent thinkers “open up” conversations, and encourage those around them to consider strategies and technologies that were not on the table previously.
COVID19 example: The development of Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp.
Studying example: “I have invented and patented a distraction-free bubble for students like me.”
10. Growth Mindset - In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.
COVID19 example: “I am excited to use this time to perfect my scrambled egg recipe.”
Studying example: “I am interested to find out, in the next chapter, how xyz relates to abc.”
Dux – Launchpad for the Extraordinary
Now more than ever, you can lean on Dux’s mental health and wellbeing support to help you navigate this new landscape. We have various packages available – including a limited-time only, free option! Join the DUX movement now, and be welcomed to our group of next generation of movers and shakers.
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The COVID19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Learn how to use thinking skills and a growth mindset to study under lockdown.
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