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If the process don't transfer, they cannot even be called…

“If the process don't transfer, they cannot even be called thinking. They can be called learning, memory, or habit, but not thinking. The purpose of a course on thinking is to enhance student's abilities to face new challenges and to attack novel problems confidently, rationally and productively.” quote by Marilyn Jager Adams
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“If the process don't transfer, they cannot even be called thinking. They can be called learning, memory, or habit, but not thinking. The purpose of a course on thinking is to enhance student's abilities to face new challenges and to attack novel problems confidently, rationally and productively.”

Marilyn Jager Adams

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Thinking requires active mental transformation; mere habit or memory isn’t true thinking.

In simple terms: Thinking is active, not passive.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate active problem‑solving habits.

Themes

education cognition learning

Mood

educational motivational

Type

pedagogical psychological

When to use this quote

  • classroom instruction
  • self‑directed study
  • professional training

Key Concepts

critical thinking metacognition

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster confidence in novel problem solving?
  • What strategies turn habit into thinking?
A Different Perspective

Students may resist challenging their assumptions.

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