Academic Thinking

I'm thinking well academically in class when:

* others can build off of what I say and I join the "conversation"

* when others comment, reference, or add on to whatever I said and they have clearly grasped my point or argument; likewise, when I can understand what others are saying/writing and can critically think about it as well as form my own opinions about it. (PDFs are more beneficial for me to read than print copies because of the dictionary application and the ability to quickly google something. This is part of how I view academic rigor--doing as much as you can to learn as much as you can.)

* I can build connections in the conversation on the topic, both with our readings and other scholarship

* I can build connections to my pedagogical methods and beliefs

* I can build connections outside of academia, perhaps what I'll tentatively call "real-world" application


All of the above are productive because they are ways to engage and learn, which is partly what I'm here for. Most of this is the result of thinking and then wallowing in those thoughts.


I'm thinking well academically with my writing when:

* I practice what I preach and write the same way my students are encouraged to write

* I know I'm adhering to the discourse by use of words, sentence structure, and how the argument is presented

* I make sure to ask myself "why?" to the point where I feel that no gaps are left and attempt to make the same connections as stated above

* my point or argument is easy to make—if it is easier to write it is most likely what I truly think; when it is difficult to word, it is because I am still grappling with the idea

* I come back to my writing and it sounds good—not only because it is coherent and clear but also because it sounds familiar, like something someone else in academia could have written


Often these happen when I immerse myself with a topic. To be comfortable writing, I have to write everything in one sitting, a habit that will have to change in a few years. This helps me focus. Would it be melodramatic to say I need to "become" the text?


Reflection:
What is not productive to my thinking is when I become meta and question if everything needs to be defined. (Example: do I need to tell you what critical thinking means to me? Should I define academic first?) Sometimes this is done to the point where what was originally intended to be said doesn't make sense anymore. Perhaps this is rigorous, but it is certainly not productive for my thinking. Hopefully with time and practice I will be able to understand my audience and what they both need and expect.