Explain A Specific E

Explain A Specific E

The interviewer asks you the following question: “Explain a specific example in which you used critical thinking/problem solving strategies to solve a problem in the real world.” What is your answer to the question? Choose one classmate’s own response to the interviewer’s question. If you are a job coach, what suggestions would you make to maximize your classmate’s answer to the interview question? This is the classmate’s response: Hello class and Professor, My answer to this question would be the following, “when I was in the Navy, there were many times when I had to develop a strategy that would suffice for teaching a group of diverse individuals a specific technique. In doing so, I was challenged with the task of having to use critical thinking skills in order to determine a method in which would provide the necessary information in a way that would be adequate for everyone that in the class. Have a great week everyone. Mike

The response provided by Mike offers a brief glimpse into his experience using critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a military context. It highlights his ability to develop strategies for teaching diverse groups, emphasizing adaptability and strategic planning. However, the answer could be enhanced to better demonstrate specific critical thinking processes, the nature of the problem, actions taken, and results achieved. Providing a more detailed example would allow interviewers to better assess his analytical skills and practical problem-solving abilities.

Suggestions to Maximize the Response

As a job coach, I would advise Mike to expand his response by incorporating the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework. This structured approach helps candidates clearly articulate their experiences in a compelling and organized manner. Specifically, Mike should describe the exact challenge he faced (situation), what his responsibilities were (task), the specific steps or strategies he employed (action), and the outcome of his efforts (result). For example, he might specify a particular instance where a teaching method initially failed or was inadequate, how he adapted his approach through critical thinking—perhaps by considering different learning styles or communication techniques—and what the final outcome was, such as improved understanding or successful skill acquisition.

Furthermore, emphasizing the critical thinking skills used—such as analyzing diverse learner needs, evaluating different instructional methods, and making decisions based on feedback—would deepen the impact of his answer. Adding quantitative or qualitative results, such as increased learner engagement or improved performance metrics, would also strengthen his response. Finally, practicing concise yet detailed storytelling can help ensure clarity and engagement during interviews.

Conclusion

Ultimately, refining his response with specific examples, structured storytelling, and quantifiable results will make Mike’s answer more compelling. Demonstrating clear critical thinking processes and tangible outcomes will showcase his problem-solving capabilities effectively to prospective employers.

References

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• Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st century: An overview. Educause Learning Initiative, 1, 1-12.
• Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
• Ruggiero, V. R. (2012). Becoming a critical thinker: A process approach. Cengage Learning.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts. Insight Assessment.
• Moseley, D., et al. (2001). Developing critical thinking across the curriculum. Research in Science & Technological Education, 19(1), 15-28.
• Sousa, D. A. (2017). How the brain learns. Corwin Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
• Bartholomew, K. (2016). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. Pearson.
• Brookfield, S. D. (2012). Teaching for critical thinking: Tools and techniques to help students question their assumptions. Jossey-Bass.