What Is Thinking Flexibility?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Doctors have a term to describe the ability to think about things in a different way. They call it cognitive flexibility. It uses two skills — flexible thinking and set shifting. Flexible thinking is

when kids are able to think about something in a new way

. … Here’s an example of how those skills work together.

How do you develop flexible thinking?

  1. 7 Ways to Develop Cognitive Flexibility. …
  2. Alter your everyday routine. …
  3. Seek out new experiences. …
  4. Practice thinking creatively. …
  5. Don’t always take the easy way. …
  6. Go out of your way to meet new people. …
  7. Transfer your learning. …
  8. Challenge your morals.

What are examples of flexible thinking?

Flexible thinkers can

adjust their general tendency to be positive or negative based on which is more helpful in a given situation

. For example, if you’re in a situation where you need to give yourself a push to “go for it,” you might find it helpful to imagine an optimistic outcome.

Why is flexible thinking important?

Flexible Thinking is a very important social skill. The ability

to think flexibly helps people to get along with others

, helps groups to be more effective, and helps people solve problems and or try new ways of doing things. … Cognitive Flexibility is the ability to think about something in a different way.

What is flexibility in critical thinking?

Flexibility is a higher order thinking skill essential for learning in technology-enhanced environments. Flexible thinking in learning is the

ability to be open-minded and adapt to new learning methods

.

How do you test for mental flexibility?

Methods of measuring cognitive flexibility include the A-not-B task, the Dimensional Change Card Sorting Task, the Multiple Classification Card Sorting Task, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, and the

Stroop Test

.

What is fluent thinking?

Fluent thinking is

the ability to generate many ideas

. It is simple to teach but not always easy for students to grasp without a lot of modeling and practice. Once you have introduced any creative thinking skill, it is important to hang a poster in your classroom to remind yourself and your students to use that skill.

How do you become flexible in school?

  1. Help students problem-solve. …
  2. Teach flexibility explicitly. …
  3. Teach self-advocacy skills. …
  4. Use a high ratio of praise to corrections. …
  5. Reassure students who love routines. …
  6. Give them a heads-up before a change happens. …
  7. Build collaborative partnerships with students. …
  8. Know yourself.

How do I help my child with flexible thinking?

Strategy and logic games can help kids think about different ways to look at and solve problems and puzzles. Encourage kids to think out loud as they play. This helps them see options and strategies. Try

making up new rules for games

, too.

What is cognitive flexibility in kids?

Cognitive flexibility is

the ability to adapt our behaviour and thinking in response to the environment

. When children are asked to think about multiple concepts simultaneously or change their approach to solving a problem, they need to demonstrate flexible thinking.

What is flexibility in teaching?

Flexibility means

being able to use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies

. This skill also comes in handy in the classroom when, for a variety of reasons, the teacher needs to adjust his/her plans for a particular day. A flexible teacher is able to make modifications to the plan under specific circumstances.

What part of the brain controls flexibility?

Previous studies have found that

the prefrontal cortex

is essential for cognitive flexibility, and that a part of the thalamus called the mediodorsal thalamus also contributes to this ability.

How flexible is the brain?

The brain is

flexible and adaptable in response to environmental cues

. The brain releases chemicals called neurotransmitters that help aid communication between brain cells called neurons. … The ability of the neurotransmitters to remain adaptable adds to the flexibility of the brain and the nervous system.

What causes mental rigidity?

The theory proposed that it is caused by

a greater “stiffness” or impermeability between inner-personal regions of individuals

, which influence behavior. Rigidity was particularly explored in Lewin’s views regarding the degree of differentiation among children.

What are the five C’s of critical thinking?

The Profile of a Virginia Graduate establishes a new set of expectations – known as the 5 C’s:

critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and citizenship skills

.

What does original thinking mean?

What we probably mean when we say original thinker is to be

the origin of our thoughts

. In other words, make our own mind up, or formulate our own conclusions, or ideas, or expressions. Original thinking is independent, creative, original, special or different.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.