When I reflect on my before and after...

As of last October, I have completed what I once thought was an unattainable feat - part time masters degree. After 1.5 years, it's finally over... with icing on the cake... high distinctions!!!

I remember the many occasions where coursemates and myself criticized the modules and lecturers for what appeared to be an attempt to rationalize what is and is not "value for money". On reflection, I think we (or me at least) may have been too myopic in the moment to make those criticisms. It is not for euphorical reasons that I am saying this now that I have completed the program. It is through some deep before-and-after self reflection that I think this program has not only achieved its intended purpose, but also provided me with a platform on which I can grow.

What is my biggest change before and after? It is my competence in critical thinking. For a start, I realize I am asking not only more questions about things that happen around me but also asking right questions. Not only does it facilitate my own learning on a particular subject area, it helps others around me learn too. Some of my colleagues see a change in me - not physically but mentally in terms of my thought processes. I was told that I have an innate sense to want to "break the code". For good or for bad, I think it does reflect the deeper and broader level of engagement I now do as compared to 1.5 years ago. From not knowing what questions to ask, to asking more and asking right. This transition took me 1.5 years and more than 20K. Is there a way to shorten it and make this transition more economical? I am not sure, neither do I think the result will be the same by taking short cuts.

So what exactly did I do in this 1.5 years that led me to this state? The essays and research assignments. Period. I did many essays across a multitude of topics. And every essay requires me to be inquisitive, to argue, to challenge assumptions, to be critical and not take what others say for granted. 10 essays and 1 research project to be exact and almost 50,000 words in all. Doing this over and over helped condition my thinking process to a way typical researchers would. If I was merely given a procedure on how to research, I would never have come this far. If not because of that repetitive exposure to research materials and continuous conditoning of my thinking process, I bet I wouldn't have benefitted enough to say that my money and time were indeed well spent.

Critical thinking therefore is a skill, or a capability, that cannot simply to taught. Because it is about a way of thinking, changing it requires considerable effort and time. One has to learn it, given some guidance, and through deliberate and rigorous experiences, condition it to a point where it becomes an unconscious competence. There are many books and training out there that teaches "critical thinking skills". Yes, they do provide a method or structure, but what is worth noting is that the investment of money and time you put in to be a "critical thinker" is way beyond what you would pay for that book or that workshop. So don't be fooled by persuasive and quickie marketing words. Get real!