Michael Lihon

May 1, 2009

I. "MY SYNTHESIS PRODUCT SHOWS THAT..."

A. I can convey who I want to influence/affect concerning what (Subject, Audience, Purpose).

Form the beginning of the program I struggled with communicating my ideas within the business world; I can now influence upper management to make changes in processes with the purpose of business improvement. However I can still identify areas of improvements, like clarifying/choosing the right objective and time lines for development.




B. I know what others have done before, either in the form of writing or action, that informs and connects with my project, and I know what others are doing now.

I have gone from knowing little about a subject to learning about what experts have contributed, understood the sequence of the development, and have been able to contribute with an additional position on how to improve or solve the problem. But I struggle with staying up to date with current events due to time constraints. I need to find ways to manage all tasks in my daily life.


C. I have teased out my vision, so as to expand my view of issues associated with the project, expose possible new directions, clarify direction/scope within the larger set of issues, and decide the most important direction.

I have identified many ways of dealing with one problem. Throughout the CCT program I have been able to find solutions for a problem, but also to have plan B, and C to continue progress on the problem if it comes to a halt. I still need to find ways to improve timing in developing ideas, but will only be possible with continued learning and exercise of the mind. I am planning to continue to take CCT courses.


D. I have identified the premises and propositions that my project depends on, and can state counter-propositions. I have taken stock of the thinking and research I need to do to counter those counter-propositions or to revise my own propositions.

I have gone from needing time to investigate about a subject in question to being able to predict the possible question critics of my work could ask. This critical thinking development can put me in a position of credibility with my peers. However, this is an ongoing process that needs constant update. Being able to respond to counter-propositions is more of a constant research and thinking on the subject.

E. I have clear objectives with respect to product, both written and practice, and process, including personal development as a reflective practitioner. I have arranged my work in a sequence (with realistic deadlines) to realize these objectives.

I am now able to identify areas for improvement by reflecting on the subject and, I am able to narrow and pinpoint subjects to prioritize improvements. I can also identify areas of improvement more rapidly in my industry than others can and find objectives comfortably.


F. I have gained direct information, models, and experience not readily available from other sources.

I have been able to creatively find new sources of information to complete a project. This is something I wasn’t able to do before entering the CCT program. I can also connect different processes to different domains in my industry. I will keep utilizing this knowledge to move forward in life.




G. I have clarified the overall progression or argument underlying my research and the written reports.

My project actually makes sense now after finishing the CCT program. I went from having random ideas to convert them into a well-organized report that can be presented to anyone, and be followed and applied. As someone who has English as a second language, I still need to improve on writing skills but I keep on practicing.




H. My writing and other products Grab the attention of the readers/audience, Orient them, move them along in Steps, so they appreciate the Position I've led them to.

My position paper has a title that grabs the attention of people in the area of operational business. This is the product of reflecting upon the objective with classmates and professors. In the same way, the paper can be followed from beginning to end without losing track of the objective. Constant reviewing and critical thinking of the process gave this result.




I. I have facilitated new avenues of classroom, workplace, and public participation.

My paper gives a new idea on where to apply critical and creative thinking models in the workplace. The paper shows just a small part of where thinking critically and creatively and be applied at work. I will continue to explore and identify how to use CCT models to improve the workplace.


J. To feed into my future learning and other work, I have taken stock of what has been working well and what needs changing.

I have identified CCT models, used in my project, which can be directly connected/utilized in areas in the workplace. These areas if changed can have the most positive impact for improvement. These areas are the ones that will affect the most the bottom line of the business organization. At the beginning of the program I had difficult time identifying where I could use CCT models but I am know comfortable with them.

II. DEVELOPING AS A REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONER, INCLUDING TAKING INITIATIVE IN AND THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

1. I have integrated knowledge and perspectives from CCT and other courses into my own inquiry and engagement in social and/or educational change.

During my participation on the CCT program I have learned how to question processes utilized in the work place, some of them in need to reduce bureaucracy to reduce time of process. The CCT program had given me the opportunity to create possible alternatives.

2. I have also integrated into my own inquiry and engagement the processes, experiences, and struggles of previous courses.

Not to give up and become perseverant is one of the learning that I have acquired from previous courses. This attitude gives me an edge to finish what I have started regardless of obstacles.




3. I have developed efficient ways to organize my time, research materials, computer access, bibliographies, etc.

I have learned more ways to become more efficient researching material for projects. I now where the in formation is located and use them to support my ideas.

4. I have experimented with new tools and experiences, even if not every one became part of my toolkit as a learner, teacher/facilitator of others, and reflective practitioner.

New tools and experiences expand my view on the possibilities for solutions. I have used most of them on personal and professional situations, and look forward to applying them all.


5. I have paid attention to the emotional dimensions of undertaking my own project but have found ways to clear away distractions from other sources (present & past) and not get blocked, turning apparent obstacles into opportunities to move into unfamiliar or uncomfortable territory.

I now search for opportunities to find myself in unfamiliar territory or situations and explore them. This attitude gives me the opportunity to learn things that I am not familiar with. Before the CCT program I used to avoid this situations but I now, after CCT, think differently. This is especially good for professional development.




6. I have developed peer and other horizontal relationships. I have sought support and advice from peers, and have given support and advice to them when asked for.

Throughout the CCT program I have learned how to address questions from peers giving them support. I have been able to answer and guide identifying clear objectives and the path to follow. I can handle this process much more effective than before CCT. I can also easily find support from peers; they share information and experiences with me.




7. I have taken the lead, not dragged my feet, in dialogue with my advisor and other readers. I didn't wait for the them to tell me how to solve an expository problem, what must be read and covered in a literature review, or what was meant by some comment I didn't understand. I didn't put off giving my writing to my advisor and other readers or avoid talking to them because I thought that they didn't see things the same way as I do.

I am more perseverant in achieving my objectives. I get all the necessary people involve for feedback to continue progress. Setting scheduled time to meet with peer and/or professors keeps me in track with the projects.




8. I have revised seriously, which involved responding to the comments of others. I came to see this not as bowing down to the views of others, but taking them in and working them into my own reflective inquiry until I could convey more powerfully to others what I'm about (which may have changed as a result of the reflective inquiry).

The communication and dialogue process experienced during the CCT program have given me the opportunity to expand my view of the world in many different ways. I understand better cultures that are different to mine, and I can explain processes and objectives of a project to people form different cultural backgrounds.




9. I have inquired and negotiated about formal standards, but gone on to develop and internalize my own criteria for doing work—criteria other than jumping through hoops set by the professor so I get a good grade.

I have learned more about myself and how to get the job done. I know what makes me feel comfortable to reach an objective. I can now negotiate deadlines with assurance because I know what I need to do to have something done. I can also negotiate pressure need from others to get the job done because I know that this is what moves me.




10. I have approached the CCT synthesis course and the CCT program as works-in-progress, which means that, instead of harboring criticisms to submit after the fact, I have found opportunities to affirm what is working well and to suggest directions for further development.

I have found the CCT program, throughout my development, supportive in many ways. I have understood the requirements of the program and worked through them. The information and knowledge gained was different than the knowledge gained other programs. I can relate to critical and creative thinking people and organizations.