Tiana Dolson

ID#:210176

Essential Skills Essay: Thinking Critically & Analytically


StandardThink Critically and Analytically

Skills
1. Identify and explain the key elements of a complex event, text
1
, issue, problem or
phenomenon.
2. Develop a method to explore the relationships between the key elements of a complex
event, text
1
, issue, problem or phenomenon.
3. Gather, question and evaluate the quality of information from multiple primary and
secondary sources.
4. Propose defensible conclusions that address multiple and diverse perspectives.
5. Evaluate the strength of conclusions, differentiating reasoning based on facts from
reasoning based on opinions.


Description of Activity/Task/Experience that demonstrates I am at or above standard in
the specific skills for the standard mentioned above:
In my senior inquiry class we were challenged to explore the idea of human nature. Every
student was required to present a piece of artwork that relates to this subject. This could include a
painting, song, poetry or a video clip. Every Friday a group of students would present their
special piece, and the rest of the class had to analyze, critique, question, and try to interpret the
meaning of the art piece they chose. It was also important to creatively inspire our classmates.
Students came up with very unusual and even disturbing pieces which required the ability to
view things from a different perspective.
One of the pieces that I analyzed was a short video clip called To This Day Project.
The video showed through pictures and words a sad story of how peoples hateful words,
ignorant opinions and hurtful comments can affect someone. Sometimes those careless words
can even stick with them throughout their life. As we looked deeper into this we found that all
humans have a need to be socially accepted by one another. That it is human nature to seek
approval from your peers and how much were willing to do to gain that respect from others,
instead of just being ourselves.





Another piece that I analyzed was a painting of a crow sitting on a chair looking out a
window at all the other birds flying, singing, and exploring. To me, this painting represents that it
is human nature to feel left out or envious when you see others having a good time or doing fun
things. This ties into how humans believe the saying the grass is always greener on the other
side. By using our critical thinking we questioned this saying and found out that its not always
true, as you never really know whats going on behind closed doors.
Explanation/Reflection of how the activity/task/experience described above meets or exceeds
the specific skills of the standard mentioned above:
This assignment required us to think in complex ways. It also brought awareness to each
of us that there is an ugly side to human nature. When we do things we know are wrong, but we
do them anyways. For example, finding perceived flaws and imperfections in others. Now, I am
more aware how my comments may affect others. I make an effort not to involve myself in
careless conversations or thoughtless jokes. After completing this unit on human nature I believe
we all became more aware of what it is to be human and even though its our nature we still have
the ability to improve.