How To Teach a Student to think Irrationally

What is Irrational thinking and why is it needed?

Irrational thinking isn’t about negative or destructive thoughts. It is about nonconforming, unorthodox, and intuitive thinking that is not restrained by rigid logic and reasoning.

Educational systems all over the world are beginning to shift in structures, and they are being modified so that the potential of students can be fully attained, achieved or amplified. There is a pioneering of “disruptive” and creative or should I say “irrational” thinking and imagination.

Modern day technological advancement also encourages thinking in ways and patterns that are “irrational”, groundbreaking or outside the box. The goal of this article is to suggest ways by which students can become thought leaders, and great entities who are outside the mold of the normal crops of average people we have today.

How to Think Irrationally

Here are some of the suggestions on how students can become an irrational thinker:

1. Approach every problem solving activity with a touch of creativity:

The real reason why many great minds of the past are being celebrated till today is simply because of their spark of genius. The ability to approach problems with creative mindset, and imagination that is “outside the norm” or “irrational.” The normal system of learning just encourages spitting facts based on memorization, and learning to pass exams. However, when you approach learning from the not so popular genius or irrational viewpoint you can attain mastery.

2. Develop an artistic viewpoint:

Art encourages open-mindedness, art forces you to develop the perception necessary to break things down into the smallest detail. It encourages generation of ideas that helps the student become strong in “irrational thinking.”

3. Make real what is abstract:

A student cannot become a pioneer when thinking irrationally, if they do not understand that no matter how “unreal” or “far off” a concept is, they must learn how to tie it to physical concepts and the physical world.

The complex world of quantum physics to irrational thinkers is just another representation of the real world. Students who will be examples of this new kind of innovation must actually master this concept. Broader perspectives are developed when this pattern of thinking is followed.

4. Adopting the “design-thinking” framework:

Understand the problem, empathize with the users, develop a prototype, do multiple testings. Everything being learnt in school has a problem it solves, and has people it affects. When you speak the language of the real world, you will begin to understand how to develop things for the “users.”

This kind of irrational thinking, and creative approach is what students need to embrace if they want to contribute their quota to man’s evolution.

5. Encourage individual and collective team “brain-racking”:

Generating multiple ideas, turning them over in the mind, poking holes in them to look for what will stand, and doing this in a short period of time. Then pooling resources together among multiple students should be encouraged, this kind of collaborative sessions will yield more and further help unconventional, irrational or out of the box thinking.

6. Risk-taking is a must:

The only reason why we have accurate mappings of the world is because some men took it upon themselves to undertake the risk of exploring “unknown,” potentially dangerous and sometimes uninhabited zones.

No real progress is made without the heart of a lion, students must be encouraged to see learning, and creative processes as a game and hence try new things that can make them better.

7. Never underestimate “REFLECTIVE-THINKING”:

Reflection will make concepts clearer, more relatable, and long lasting. Students should be encouraged to revisit previously encountered concepts to identify and eliminate weakness, and solidify strength. Developing skills like this help in the long term for perfecting your learning and problem solving processes.

8. Analyze, evaluate, and synergize information:

Putting together all information gathered over time, questions proffered assumptions and establishing facts in the face of undeniable evidence should also be encouraged.

In conclusion, the world at large will benefit greatly if these 8 pillars of irrational thinking are taught to students, and encouraged in our evolving world.