Q) Discuss the relevance if any, of (i) critical consciousness and (ii) critical mind to your studies.

(i) Critical consciousness focuses on achieving an in-depth understanding of the world, allowing
for the perception and exposure of social and political contradictions. Critical consciousness
also includes taking action against the oppressive elements in one's life that are illuminated by
that understanding therefore critical consciousness is defined as the ability to identify, critique,
and challenge the social forces that produce inequity and oppression (Gay, 2000; Duncan-
Andrade & Morrell, 2008; Ladson-Billings, 1995, 2000). Without any shadow of doubt, critical
consciousness is of great relevance to my studies because there is a lot of empirical research
that shows that higher critical consciousness is associated with higher self-esteem, higher
political engagement, higher professional aspirations, academic engagement, even higher
academic achievement. According to Brookfield (1995), if learners are empowered to practice
critical skills and activities that concern self-expression, consciousness is increased and can lead
to individuals’ transformations. Furthermore, Shor (1992) and Freire (1973) emphasized that
critical thought helps learners understand their life and educational attitudes. Therefore, this
essay’s aim is to shade light on the relevance of critical consciousness in my academic studies at
the university.

First and foremost, critical consciousness is of great relevance to my studies because its
presence has eliminated and reduced silence, marginalization and dependence that was
happening in my learning process. The mentioned issues of silence, marginalization and
dependence arise as a result of traditional pedagogical method that is used in the teaching of
students. According to Freire (1996), the teacher is the depositor of information and
knowledge, and the students are the repositories. The more students work at storing
information, the more they accept the passive role, and then, it is less likely that they will
develop the ability of critical consciousness. Both Hooks (1994) and Shor (1992, 1996)
emphasized that traditional educational practices are counter to the idea of critical
consciousness. So with the ability of critical consciousness I am no longer highly depended on
my lecturers and also I have developed from being a passive receiver of knowledge to an
individual student who can think critically in any given circumstances.
According to Ladson- Billings (2000), students develop a language of critique when possessed
with the ability of critical consciousness. This implies that as a learner one should develop a
mindset of being concerned about the reasons for anything particularly matters pertinent to his
or her studies, for instance a learner might be concerned in knowing why he is learning a
certain subject matter in his field of study. So in this case critical consciousness comes into play
and its relevance is revealed in my studies of Accounting and Finance as I can now engage in
critical questioning for instance getting to know which perspective is being reflected, whose
interests are being served or what could be problematic about certain subject issues. As a result
of developing a language of critique through critical consciousness, I have realized that my
academic engagement has improved thus accelerating my academic achievement to better
levels. All this act as evidence of the relevance of critical consciousness to my studies.

An element of problem solving indicates the relevance of critical consciousness to my studies in

the sense that problem solving tend to create a sense of empowerment within an individual.
This claim is in consensus with Freire (1996) who stated that problem-posing education
empowers students to change their lives for the better. Additionally, Stenhouse, Jarrett,
Williams, and Chilungu (2014) emphasize that, if teachers believe in their students to solve a
problem that belief fosters the students’ sense of empowerment; and then, students can notice
problems and address the problems on their own. Through critical consciousness I have been
able to solve life problems both at an individual and societal level and also educational
problems, for instance to work against the conditions that create barriers to my learning, I need
to notice when these barriers are at play and be able to communicate.

Another key relevance of critical consciousness to my studies is that it enabls me to separate

truth from falsehood. The process of attaining the ability of critical consciousness has enabled
me to make a visible difference and also to explicitly discuss why different people might see,
experience, interpret or be affected differently. According to Lewiston, Flint and Van Sluys
(2002) students may realize outcomes of critical consciousness through examining issues from
multiple viewpoints. So in the learning process,I have been exposed to multiple perspectives on
certain given topics and this exposure to multiple perceptions has created a room for me to
improve my academic grades as false perceptions are put away as a result of the ability of
critical consciousness thus this depicts the relevance of critical consciousness in my studies.

However, there are certain skills which are required for a person to be critically conscious and
these skills are not hold by everyone such skills such as research skills and communication skills.
Therefore this is a setback to the relevance of critical consciousness because life skills are
required in order for person to be conscious. I usually try by all means to research about certain
aspects in my studies but I lack the communication skills and I usually avoid responsibility as
being conscious comes with work of taking actions and capability . There is proper
understanding of the accounting processes applied to the information systems and how to use
accounting standards to solve problems or make products that can address the challenges.

Education is supposed to reveal critical consciousness above other issues since it learning in a
discipline between the types of consciousness, I view problems as natural and acceptable

That is for example when I go late to school due to transport issues which are prevailing and
consciousness is not given to all and it rises with the level of education.

In conclusion, to a greater extent I am of the belief that critical consciousness is of great

relevance to my studies as discussed in the essay. Critical consciousness is one of the essential
components for empowering individuals to achieve lifelong learning which results in individual
transformation.

(ii) According to Beyer (1995), critical thinking means ‘making clear, reasoned judgments’.
Developing the ability to think critically is an important element for modern education
approaches and models. The skill of thinking critically is generally accepted as a very vital stage
in every field of learning. Critical thinking is of key relevance to my studies because thinking
critically will boost creativity and enhance the way I use and manage my time (Emir, 2009) and
critical thinking not only describes the ability to think in accordance with the rules of logic and
probability, but also the ability to apply these skills to real-lifeproblems, which are not
content-independen and also critical thinking can provide a moreinsightful understanding of
myself.

Critical thinking is relevant to my studies in the sense that it enhances creativity and curiosity. A
student who is encouraged to be a critical thinker invariably develops a sense of curiosity of
happenings around him/her. A strong and genuine sense of curiosity leads to analysis and
assimilation of information and events. In the process, informed ideas are formed, mostly out-
of-the-box ones, that in turn improves creativity. Creativity is a skill that all critical thinkers will
dally with in their professional and personal life. In the process of finding answers in a logical
and rational manner, they will usually be able to get their creative juices flowing thus showing
the relevance of critical thinking in my studies.

Promoting self-assertion and self-reflection is another key relevance of critical thinking in my

Accounting studies. Critical thinking is essentially self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-
corrective thinking. When one thinks critically, it is done in a self-directed manner. There is an
internalization of the issue at hand and a deep understanding of it in an objective fashion.
Critical thinking is at the forefront of learning, as it aids a student reflect and understand their
points of views. This skill helps me to figure out how to make sense of the world, based on
personal observation and understanding. It also makes me self-assertive and confident as I
know that the outcome is the result of a thought process that yields results. I also gain
confidence and the ability to learn from mistakes both of which are crucial in personal and
professional lives.

Critical thinking also depicts its relevance as it elevates autonomous learning and aids in
improved grades and achievements. Instead of complete dependence on classroom learning
and teachers for complete guidance and instructions, critical thinking offers a room to become
more self-reliant and independent. It also helps to evaluate learning style and recognize areas
of strength and flaws. By achieving this ability solution can be focused in a better way and set
goals accordingly. In addition, when there is an improvement in critical thinking skills there will
be an improvement in academic performance as well due to the ability to understand and
critique which helps in deeper understanding that will be evident in the grades.
Finally, critical thinking also helps in understanding the views and perspectives of others as well
and enhancing the ability to work in teams.For example, the team activities that have to be
done with school students need listening to the peers for completing the given task, rather than
just going with a single thought of an individual.This makes one learn that there can be
numerous solutions to a single problem and allows working together while agreeing on one.
Such activities that require critical thinking helps in the development of a student to co-operate
and not take decisions on assumptions. Therefore this shows the relevance of critical thinking in
my studies.