Think! Think! Think!

By: Alyssa Neal

This month, February, our school is focusing on the IB Attribute of: Thinker! What does it mean to be a thinker you might be asking yourself right now? Well, to be a thinker you have to solve problems in a variety of ways, listen to other's answers, and always be able to justify the answer. You need to always have an explanation and/or conclusion ready. And lastly, you need to take initiative (Take charge in a positive and nice way) and be independent. Don't take " Be independent " in the wrong way either. I don't mean be lonely all the time and have no friends, I mean figure things out on your own.

To be a thinker you will need to be solid on your answers. You shouldn't be wobbly and unsure with your answers. You have to feel in your gut that you know that is your final answer and just know it will be right! Also to be a thinker, you need to be an inquirer. You will need to think and reflect on relevant and reasonable questions. Now, I don't mean go all out with crazy questions, "Why, why, why?" I mean ask reasonable questions like, "How did you come up with this answer?" or, "How does this number equal this?" So, if you're striving to be a thinker (Which everyone should) practice some of these character traits until it feels normal and natural demonstrating these traits.

A great way to keep score of how you are doing while striving to be a thinker is, just jot down 4-10 weaknesses you have as being a thinker, and once you feel you got it down pat and it feels like a natural thing, just put a little checkmark by that weakness. And that check you put by that weakness now represents a new strength.

Think BIG. Think BOLD!