Connecting Ideas: How Logical Thinking Impacts Meaningful Learning
Would you consider yourself a logical thinker? Why? Or why not?
Do you recognise logical thinking as being an important skill to have? For many people, this will be a question they've never before considered. In fact, logical thinking (or lack thereof) can have a dramatic effect on many different areas of our lives.
One of the areas it can impact most is our ability to learn in an effective and meaningful way.
This post will go over what logical thinking is and describe the way connecting ideas allows us to unlock higher levels of understanding. If we improve our logical thinking skills new ways of seeing the world will emerge.
What Is Logical Thinking?
Logical thinking refers to a way of looking at a situation that utilizes reasoning and critical thinking to come to the most logical conclusion. When using logical thinking we are looking at facts, connecting ideas and drawing conclusions from available information.
Most of us are aware that there are two halves to the human brain: the right side and the left side. The right side is responsible for our intuition, emotions and creativity, while the left is used for logic, sequencing, and linear thinking. For most people, one side of the brain is far more dominant than the other.
However, it is possible to strengthen different parts of your brain to develop a more logical way of thinking through problems and ideas. It just requires the right knowledge and training.
Connecting Ideas: How Does Logical Thinking Affect Our Learning?
The ability to think logically means we are breaking it down, thinking about it carefully and looking at it in great detail. This process provides a learning scaffold and helps us understand new concepts.
When we understand an idea, we are much more likely to remember it and be able to later apply it in relevant areas of our lives. Logical thinking gives us as learners the necessary tools to fully grasp a concept, and think about it in a critical and nuanced way so that we understand it better. It also allows us to take knowledge or experience from the past, and apply it to new situations or concepts to create a more synergistic and holistic approach to learning.
Whether we're talking about a young student struggling with schoolwork, a young professional trying to upskill, or someone who wants to learn a new language, logical thinking can be utilised and positively impact results.
How to Improve Logical Thinking?
There are many methods we can use to improve our logical thinking skills. One of these is to spend time on creative pursuits. This may seem counterintuitive, but stimulating the creative part of our brain can actually help to improve our logical thinking.
Another method is gamification. Problem-solving games are a great way to exercise and strengthen the logical part of your brain.