Synopses & Reviews
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking presents practical, lively, and inspiring ways for you to become more successful through better thinking. The idea is simple: You can learn how to think far better by adopting specific strategies. Brilliant people aren't a special breed — they just use their minds differently. By using the straightforward and thought-provoking techniques in
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking, you will regularly find imaginative solutions to difficult challenges, and you will discover new ways of looking at your world and yourself — revealing previously hidden opportunities.
The book offers real-life stories, explicit action items, and concrete methods that allow you to attain a deeper understanding of any issue, exploit the power of failure as a step toward success, develop a habit of creating probing questions, see the world of ideas as an ever-flowing stream of thought, and embrace the uplifting reality that we are all capable of change. No matter who you are, the practical mind-sets introduced in the book will empower you to realize any goal in a more creative, intelligent, and effective manner. Filled with engaging examples that unlock truths about thinking in every walk of life, The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking is written for all who want to reach their fullest potential — including students, parents, teachers, businesspeople, professionals, athletes, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners.
Whenever you are stuck, need a new idea, or want to learn and grow, The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking will inspire and guide you on your way.
Review
"I remember as a kid in school being told by teachers to think harder and having no idea what to do. This book solves that once and for all. We now have a guide for people of all ages to learn how to think more effectively. I highly recommend this book." Jack Canfield, cocreator of the New York Times best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Success Principles
Review
"Think... fail... question... understand... change... learn: in their powerful new book, Burger and Starbird show students, teachers, and everyone else how to harness the genius of learning. The 5 Elements argues that the door to knowledge is not opened by a magical test. Instead, the key is for each of us to boldly embrace a willingness to fail while organizing persistent approaches to thinking." Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association
Review
"In this compact and remarkable book, two renowned professors share decades of teaching experience with anyone — from students to business people — seeking advice on how to improve skills and expand learning. It should be read, studied, and cherished — then reread." Fay Vincent, former commissioner of Major League Baseball and former president of Columbia Pictures
Review
"This book is just what American education needs. It guarantees invention and discovery." Barbara Morgan, former NASA "Teacher in Space" astronaut
Review
"The 5 Elements is an enormously insightful examination of what constitutes effective thinking. Everyone will find something of value in it." Morton O. Schapiro, president of Northwestern University
Review
"The authors invoke Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, and Winston Churchill to illustrate practical approaches — including failing — to understanding, creativity, and wisdom. Their observations apply to honing any skill from sports and school to leadership and citizenship. Knowing how to listen and learn has become a rare art — The 5 Elements is a timely tutorial." Janet Brown, executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates
Review
"I highly recommend this book for instructors who care more about their students than test scores, for students who care more about learning than their GPA, for leaders of society and masters of the universe who care more about serving the public good than increasing their profit margin, and for artists who constantly remind us of the human condition. The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking provides comfort in a world that has lost its equilibrium." Christopher J. Campisano, director of Princeton University's Program in Teacher Preparation
Review
"Edward Burger and Michael Starbird became renowned scholars and educators by demonstrating that mathematical expertise is within the reach of the general population and not confined to those with the 'right' aptitude. With the publication of this remarkably wise and useful book, they extend their pedagogical principles to the general realm of practical affairs and the entire range of academic endeavor. Regardless of the reader's background, The 5 Elements offers highly applicable and original lessons on how to think." John W. Chandler, president emeritus of Hamilton College and Williams College
Review
"So this is how Newton stood on the shoulders of giants! Burger and Starbird outline the basic methods of genius — so that ordinary people, too, can see further than others." Robert W. Kustra, president of Boise State University
Synopsis
Simple but powerful strategies for increasing your success by improving your thinking
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking presents practical, lively, and inspiring ways for you to become more successful through better thinking. The idea is simple: You can learn how to think far better by adopting specific strategies. Brilliant people aren't a special breed--they just use their minds differently. By using the straightforward and thought-provoking techniques in The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking, you will regularly find imaginative solutions to difficult challenges, and you will discover new ways of looking at your world and yourself--revealing previously hidden opportunities.
The book offers real-life stories, explicit action items, and concrete methods that allow you to attain a deeper understanding of any issue, exploit the power of failure as a step toward success, develop a habit of creating probing questions, see the world of ideas as an ever-flowing stream of thought, and embrace the uplifting reality that we are all capable of change. No matter who you are, the practical mind-sets introduced in the book will empower you to realize any goal in a more creative, intelligent, and effective manner. Filled with engaging examples that unlock truths about thinking in every walk of life, The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking is written for all who want to reach their fullest potential--including students, parents, teachers, businesspeople, professionals, athletes, artists, leaders, and lifelong learners.
Whenever you are stuck, need a new idea, or want to learn and grow, The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking will inspire and guide you on your way.
-- "World Book Industry"
About the Author
Edward B. Burger is the Francis Christopher Oakley Third Century Professor of Mathematics at Williams College, an educational and business consultant, and a former vice provost at Baylor University. He has authored or coauthored more than sixty-five articles, books, and video series; delivered over five hundred addresses and workshops throughout the world; and made more than fifty radio and television appearances. His teaching and scholarly writing have earned him many national honors and the largest teaching award given in the English-speaking world. Michael Starbird is University Distinguished Teaching Professor at The University of Texas at Austin and an educational and business consultant. His numerous books, lectures, workshops, and video courses have reached large national audiences of students, teachers, businesspeople, and lifelong learners. His success at teaching people to think has been recognized by more than a dozen awards, including the highest national teaching award in his subject.
Table of Contents
Preface
Thinking Makes the Difference vii
Introduction
Elements of Effective Thinking, Learning, and Creating 1
1. Grounding Your Thinking 13
UNDERSTAND DEEPLY
Understand simple things deeply 15
Clear the clutter? seek the essential 26
See what's there 31
See what's missing 41
Final thoughts: Deeper is better 44
2. Igniting Insights through Mistakes 47
FAIL TO SUCCEED
Welcome accidental missteps? let your errors be your guide 51
Finding the right question to the wrong answer 64
Failing by intent 66
Final thoughts: A modified mind-set 71
3. Creating Questions out of Thin Air 73
BE YOUR OWN SOCRATES
How answers can lead to questions 75
Creating questions enlivens your curiosity 82
What's the real question? 86
Final thoughts: The art of creating questions and active listening 93
4. Seeing the Flow of Ideas 95
LOOK BACK, LOOK FORWARD
Understanding current ideas through the flow of ideas 98
Creating new ideas from old ones 106
Final thoughts: "Under construction" is the norm 117
5. Engaging Change 119
TRANSFORM YOURSELF
A Way to Provoke Effective Thinking 136
A Brief Review
Share Your Own Stories of Effective Thinking 149
Acknowledgments 151
About the Authors 155