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Critical Thinking in College and Beyond |
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Stanley Schermerhorn
My name is Stanley S. Schermerhorn III. I was born in Indianapolis on November 17, 1977 and grew up in Fairland, Indiana. I was raised with unusual difficulties as a child. Being a child in a low socio-economic environment, I became a rebellious adolescent. The rebellion during my adolescence, along with the stressful events of my childhood, created some obstacles in my life that could not be resolved overnight. However, these experiences eventually taught me the importance of “breaking the cycle.” When I reached the age of 25, I decided to make some positive changes in my life. I began researching different universities, and colleges to determine a path to better my future. In the fall of 2005, I started college at IUPUI. Since this time I have made some dramatic changes in my life--for the better. Until my first semester of college, I had the perception that college life is a life of many sleepless hours of homework, no social life and no money. As true as those thoughts are, college has been the most important time in my life to-date. I have gained a whole new outlook on life. I have also learned much about my strengths and weaknesses. I have been very busy since starting college. I have been balancing my time between class schedule, homework and study time, part time employment, clubs and organizations, volunteer work, and a social life. With a schedule like this a person needs to have their time organized. This was a very difficult task for me because of the lack of guidance I had as a child. When I began college I declared a double major of Accounting, and Business Management. An elective that I chose to take my first semester was TCEM 100, Introduction to Hospitality. I initially though the class would help me with employment by increasing my customer service skills; I never considered that this class would be enough to change my whole attitude about my future. I learned about event planners and the tasks they perform. I found this to be very exciting. I feel that this career would provide me with enough challenges to keep the career interesting. It will also provide me with enough enjoyment to keep me emotionally intrigued. My career path will consist of many volunteer opportunities. The more variety a person has in their experience with Event Management the more opportunities there will be available. I have some catering experience and plenty experience with customer service. I hope to improve on my networking and my creativity. I know that the more types of events that I help organize, the better understanding I should have of which things work well and which things do not work so well. I hope to gain some more experience in catering. I intend on doing as many internships as possible which will also help me acquire skills and knowledge that will prove helpful in the industry. I have created a growing network of people in the industry and have made an impact on them with my work ethic, creativity, and enthusiasm towards the final product, a great event. This career provides so many things that fit nicely in my personality. It is a career that provides variety, fun, social interactions, leadership and challenge. My attention to detail and my desire for perfection, added with a friendly and helpful personality makes me a great fit for a career in Event Management. |
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Major: Tourism, Convention and Event Management
Introduction One of the most important economical resources that a government can use is that of the Tourism, Convention, and Event management industry. This field of study covers many areas of business. Everything from hotels and casinos, to cruise ships, conventions, and even sporting events are included. For a person to be a strong competitor in this demanding field they should earn a Bachelor of Science degree called TCEM. This rigorous degree covers many different areas of knowledge. To achieve a bachelor’s degree in TCEM, a person must accumulate a total of 124 credit hours containing specific courses. A person pursuing this degree must complete 39 credit hours of General Education requirements, 73 credit hours of Major requirements, and 12 credit hours of electives (iupui.edu). According to Harvard psychologist William Perry, speaking about freshmen college students, “First-year students come to college as “dualist” believing that all questions have right or wrong answers…these belief’s are partially correct…It also requires student’s to do something with their knowledge, to apply it to new situations, to conduct the kinds of inquiry, research, analysis and arguments pursued by experts in each discipline” (Allen & Bacon, 2006, p. 28-29). For a person to achieve this process of problem resolution they must learn how to use the six critical thinking skills. These six different learning processes are; retention, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. In the following paragraphs I will be discussing these critical thinking skills and I will also provide real life examples as to the importance of each.
Retention Retention is the ability to remember specific information (Appleby, 2006). Knowing your name, address, and phone number are examples of retention. Without retaining information, a person would not be able to do simple things such as remember their name. It is important for a person to retain gained knowledge so that it may be used in combination with other critical thinking skills. In my introduction to hospitality course, TCEM 100, retention was a large portion of the learning we were expected to achieve. The instructor would lecture us in class from power point slides and students would be required to take notes and remember lecture conversations. The slides and conversations were almost directly quoted from the text. To pass the test a student would have to retain the information they learned from the instructor and recall that information for the test. If I were unable to remember what the instructor said, I would be forced to guess the answer, usually resulting in an incorrect answer. Retention is the beginning of the process of problem solving, followed by comprehension.
Comprehension Comprehension is the ability to understand the meaning of material (Appleby, 2006). A real life example of this is going to a fast-food restaurant where few employees speak English. The order taker may remember what is on the menu but, if they are unable to comprehend what the customer is asking for then the chances of the order being incorrect greatly improve. In this situation the company may lose a valuable customer because the people who serve the customer’s are unable to comprehend what the customer is trying to order. If a customer cannot be understood then they are more likely to take their business elsewhere. If this becomes a pattern then the company stands a strong possibility of going out of business. In my psychology course B-104 comprehension is a large part of the curriculum. A person in this psychology course must be able to understand the different types of psychologists, their theories, and how the different psychologists use the information. To pass a test in B-104, a person who does not understand the different types of psychology will have a very difficult time trying to answer questions about different theories. Psychology tests consist of a certain amount of multiple choice questions that challenge the student to show their level of comprehension for the material tested. These tests also consist of essay questions which force a student to use the next critical thinking skill, application. If a student does not comprehend the information given then the student will not pass the test and in turn fail the course.
Application Application is the ability to use learned material to solve problems (Appleby, 2006). A person may know information about a particular job but, if they do not know how to apply the information to the job then that job will never get completed. A person may know that a crane operator causes the crane to go in-out, up-down. If the person does not know the controls that are used to make the crane go up and down then that person would be unable to apply that knowledge to operate the crane. Application is a complicated process of using information to complete desired tasks. TCEM 387 Industry Internship is a course that “provides students with an opportunity to improve their operational/managerial skills by working in new areas” (IUPUI, TCEM Dept.). I will be required to use the information that I have learned throughout my studies and apply it to an internship. For this course, I will need to complete 300 volunteer hours, or 600 paid hours of internship. The internship should be one from which I am studying to get credit for the time spent. If I were unable to apply the information I have learned to my internship, then I would not be able to complete my internship. The employer would not have a need for me if I were unable to apply my knowledge to different project resolutions. Application is a process of using acquired knowledge to solve a problem.
Analysis Analysis is the ability to separate complicated wholes into their parts and organizational relationships (Appleby, 2006). An example of analysis would be a person making an investment into a company. If a person does not separate the different financial and operational aspects of a company to determine if the company is making or losing money, then that person will not be able to form an educated opinion of that company’s success. Investing money into a company is a risky decision that can prove quite profitable. If an investor does not analyze a company accurately then the person investing may suffer great financial losses. Analysis is a key critical thinking skill in event management. In an interview with instructor and TCEM academic advisor Dr. Linda Brothers, she states “Analysis is the most important critical thinking skill used by students for a bachelor’s degree in TCEM” (Brothers, 2006). Organization is such a large part of event management. In event management analysis and organization are used simultaneously. A good event planner must take a desired outcome (i.e. a well executed event), and separate each aspect of the event into it the events parts (decorations, guests, catering, etc.). After the different parts are separated the event planner must decide what each separated part of the event will need. For example, an event planner knows they need to decorate for a specific event. They need to analyze the type of event to determine how they want to decorate the event. An awards banquet probably would not consist of fog machines and light shows. As a student in event management I will need to analyze projects so that I will know how to finish the project. A project may need certain information to complete the research. If I do not break down the project and decide how to obtain the information then the project will never get completed. Analysis is a very important aspect to solving problems and determining solutions.
Synthesis Synthesis is the ability to combine separate parts into new and creative wholes (Appleby, 2006). A real-life example of synthesis would be a music writer. A writer may have heard or lived stories that he/she would want to tell in a song. A writer may also have heard several songs that he/she liked. If a song writer does not know how to combine the learned knowledge of stories and sounds then the writer will be unable to produce a creative and different sound and song. In my English course, Eng-131, synthesis is a heavily used critical thinking skill. In this course a student must combine knowledge of a specific topic learned from books, movies, and life experiences. A student must combine these learned ideas to create a different point of view. To complete this writing assignment I will need to be able to use specific information from different sources and synthesize them into a new and creative way to examine the topic. Synthesis is the last step to critical thinking before a person evaluates the information to complete the problem solving process.
Evaluation Evaluation is the ability to judge the value of material for a given purpose (Appleby, 2006). Evaluation is the last critical thinking skill used to complete a resolution. Someone that uses evaluation to create a resolution would be a politician. Politicians must listen to different points of view about problems such as gun control. After the politician has listened to everyone’s ideas on how to solve the problem of gun control, he/she must then judge which idea would be most effective and try to implement the idea into society. In my business course, Bus X-100, evaluation is an important critical thinking skill used to successfully complete the course. In this course, students must create their own teams and decide on a company to examine. Students are asked to analyze the different financial aspects of a chosen Indiana-based company and evaluate the information gathered to determine if this company would be a sound investment for investors. If I am not successful with evaluating the company then I will not be able to provide the professor with an accurate judgment of the company’s strength. This will not only affect my grade but also the grade of other members in my team. Therefore, I must be able to properly evaluate the company by using all six of the critical thinking skills.
Conclusion The examples I have provided above show the importance of how being successful with critical thinking plays such an important role in my academic career. Critical thinking also plays an important role in everyday life. As I stated in the above sections, critical thinking skills are important in almost every aspect of the decision making process. Every course I will take in college will require the use of one, if not all of the six critical thinking skills.
References
Appleby, D. C. (2006). Honors B103 Psychology as a Social Science syllabus. (Available from Indiana University-Purdue University Psychology Department, 402 North Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2375) Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. 3rd ed. ED. John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, and June Johnson. New York: Longman, 2003. pg. 28-29. Brothers, L.R. (personal communication, March 9, 2006) described the critical thinking skills used in each course as applied to event management. TCEM Dept. Course Requirements for Event Management (Available from Indiana University-Purdue University Tourism, Convention, and Event Management Department, 901 West New York Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2375) IUPUI website. http://www.iupui.edu/~indyhper/tcem_dc_bs_tcem.html
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Career: Event Management
Introduction Event Management is a broad career area with many extensive details. “Meeting planners coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions, from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment,” (www.bls.gov). Event management opportunities include, but are not limited to, profit and non-profit organizations, cruise ship, hotels, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), casinos, and more. To be able to perform successfully in this career a person must first learn how to use the six major critical skills of retention, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Appleby, 2006).
Retention Retention is the ability to remember specific information (Appleby, 2006). Retention is important because without it anything you learn would be shortly forgotten. It has been said that those who forget history are bound to repeat it. If someone were to forget what punishment they received for their inappropriate behavior, then that person is likely to repeat the behavior. It is common for punishment to become more intense with each application. If the behavior is from a significant other then the punishment may eventually result in a termination of the relationship by the other person. During an interview with professional event planner, Debbie Benningfield, she stated that, “It is necessary to retain client information (their needs and desires and specific logistical information) as we plan and produce the various events. As an event planner coordinates annual events it is imperative that he or she recall what happened on the past event that was a success or failure” (personal communication, 2006). If I were unable to remember the negative responses to previous events then I could possibly repeat the same negative event. In order for me to prevent such occurrences it is important for me to keep documentation of events including; videos, notes, programs, contacts, and calendars. These resources will assist me with recalling, with extra clarity, what occurred at an event. If I were to coordinate a convention for vegetarians, I must remember that vegetarians do not eat meat. If I were to forget that and served steak for dinner then they would be angry and not enjoy the event. Therefore in a personal notebook labeled “Dinner Do’s and Don’ts” I would write 8 different types of vegetarians and then I would specify each. Taking notes is a great way for me to remember information. If I write brief messages I can recall the rest of the missing information with relative ease.
Comprehension Comprehension is the ability to understand the meaning of material (Appleby, 2006). Knowledge can not be used accurately if you don’t understand the significance of that knowledge. A child may remember all of the letters of the alphabet. If that child were unable to comprehend how the letters combine to form words then the child will never learn to read. Debbie continues our discussion by saying, “If I can’t understand what the client wants and what it takes to do it, then I shouldn’t be doing what I am doing” (personal communication, 2006). To perform as an event planner you must understand everything that it takes to make an event run smoothly. An event planner must understand the details of how to maximize networking. Networking is one of the most important things to an event planner. They must know public relations people, catering companies, marketing people, and even other event planners. I have learned, that it is important for a person to keep contacts of both personal and professional people, for example someone may ask, “Do you know any good catering services for Italian food?” or possibly, “Do you know who I would need to contact to organize a convention in the Hyatt?” I have kept almost every business card that I have acquired since I was about 18 years old. I keep these business cards filed so that if I need assistance with a particular task I will be able to find someone that I have met previously to help with the task. If I were unable to comprehend the importance of networking then I would not have kept different types of contact information for future reference. Keeping all of these contacts could possibly result in unimaginable opportunities that may not have existed had it not been for meeting that person.
Application: Application is the ability to use learned material to solve problems (Appleby, 2006). Scientists use application when they perform a research experiment. Scientists must apply research techniques to ensure that the variables in the research are controlled so that they do not disrupt the outcome of the research. If this were to happen then the research would result in an unsupported outcome. The use of application is a very important critical thinking skill as an event planner. Application is used when creating a marketing scheme for an event. When an event planner is marketing he or she must do surveys and statistics to determine the most effective location of an event. I will use application throughout my career by taking the gathered knowledge and experience that I have learned and using it to produce better events. If I were unable to apply my knowledge of marketing then I would not be able to produce a crowd or location for an event. I will apply my learned tricks, tips, and techniques, of marketing to ensure that the event has received enough of the proper marketing to produce a crowd of desired guests. If I were unable to gather an audience then there would not be an event. If there was no event then there would be no need for an event planner.
Analysis: Analysis is the ability to separate complicated wholes into their parts and organizational relationships (Appleby, 2006). A psychologist uses analysis when they are diagnosing a client. “Psychologists are trained professionals helping individuals change their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors to improve their psychological problems (Kremer, 2005).” To be able to study these problems, a psychologist must separate and categorize all of the client’s behaviors so he or she may determine what kind of mental condition the client may be experiencing. The use of analysis is very critical to determining an accurate diagnosis. Meeting Professionals International, (MPI) is a foundation that helps prepare meeting professionals for the future. On their website they state, “Meetings and conventions involve considerable time and money. Since we cannot afford to waste these valuable commodities, it is important to determine if a meeting has value and if it is worthy of the investment required to stage it (www.mpiweb.org, para. 1).” As an event planner I will be required to create a budget and stay within the price range of the budget. I will need to analyze what kind of decorations to purchase, what type of food to eat, and who will cook and serve the food. In the budget I must also include the profit potential of the event based on ticket sales and donations. The ticket sales should be set at a fair price that will still be able to turn a profit for the sponsor. If I were not able to analyze the cost and potential profit of an event then I could possibly lose the sponsor thousands of dollars or more on “wasted spending.” An event begins with a budget amount. This is either a range or a peak amount of money. I will need to analyze and negotiate spending money on products, price, and service to make sure that these amounts are not exceeded. Overspending could have a dramatic impact on an event planner’s future, especially if there is a consistency of this happening. In my interview with Debbie, she told me that “For any event I must be able to see the event from beginning to end before the event planning begins. To host an event I must know all aspects and parts required to achieve the goal of the client and turn what could be chaos into an organized smooth event” (personal communication, 2006). The ability to see an event before it happens will help me decide a more accurate list of items to purchase based on the schedule of the evening.
Synthesis Synthesis is the ability to combine separate parts into new and creative wholes (Appleby, 2006). One example of synthesis is when a sculptor continues to add different types of materials to create a beautiful piece of art. If the artist were to combine copper, with steel and brass then he or she would use synthesis to create their art. As an event planner I will be required to use synthesis to organize the activities that will be held within the event. For the March of Dimes Real Estate Awards event, we use different events such as “happy hour,” dinner, silent auction, and a raffle. Decorations are another factor that assists with the atmosphere of an event. Combining these different types of activities, we help to make sure that all the guests are entertained If I were unable to synthesize different activities at an event, then I would just continue to do the same activities over and over again for each event, eventually no one would attend. During my interview, Debbie states that “In this business, you could become stagnant very quickly” (personal communication, 2006). I must use creative new ways of synthesizing events such as combing the right entertainment for a particular event. If people were not entertained then attendance would dwindle to a minimum. Without attendance to an event, the event would have wasted all the money spent without the event returning a profit.
Evaluation: Evaluation is the ability to judge the value of material for a given purpose (Appleby, 2006). When a detective approaches a crime scene the very first thing he or she must do is evaluate the situation. They do this by thinking of different possibilities of how the crime happened by using the evidence left on the scene. By collecting and examining the evidence they are better able to solve the crime. Professional event planners should have experience within a large array of different events to illustrate their creativity and diversity. They should also be aware of the type of event they are doing. A reputation must also show success, to do this you must be able to evaluate the event to the finest detail before the event happens. The first professional planning committee I was a part of was one called March-of-Dimes Real Estate Awards. According to page two of the 2005 Real Estate Awards Committee Member Description, “(members must) work closely with the staff of event location regarding room set up, table placement, and stage placement.” I must be able to see to it that the event has a consistent and comfortable appearance. If I am unable to evaluate the event then people will not enjoy the event and many may leave early and not return to the next event. If no guests return to an event then the event will be canceled and that is disastrous for a person in my field.
Conclusion “Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and some meeting planning experience…Meeting planners coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions, from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment” (bls.gov). As an event planner I am required to use all six of the critical thinking skills for every event I pursue. I will need to retain and comprehend all of the information that I learn so that every detail of an event is properly organized. After knowing the information, I will need to apply the information. Only after application may I analyze and synthesize the information to ensure that the program went well. Once the event is over I will evaluate all of the details of the event to determine which activities worked and which did not.
References Appleby, D. C. (2006). Honors B103 Psychology as a Social Science syllabus. (Available from Indiana University-Purdue University Psychology Department, 402 North Blackford Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2375) Kramer, Brown, and Buccini. (4th edition) Introductory psychology: applications of theories and concepts. Indianapolis University – Purdue University of Indianapolis. United States Department of Labor. (Dec. 20, 2005). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 4, 2006 from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos298.htm Meeting Professionals International. (April, 2002). Knowledge for event planners. Retrieved April 4, 2006 from http://www.mpiweb.org/CMS/mpiweb/mpicontent.aspx?id=3209
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Schermerhorn, Stanley S |
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