The Logical and Lateral Thinking in the Real World and the Future
Geometry can help build the foundation for skills needed in the workforce. Exercising both logical and lateral thinking in Geometry can help build the 'intellectual muscle' needed for many jobs. In fact, logical, critical, and lateral thinking are prerequisite skills for higher level math and computer programming. In addition, many technology-related fields require rigorous skill in logical and lateral thinking. A few of these jobs include.
Systems/Data Analysis
Electrical Engineer
Computer Programmer
Project Manager
Information Architect
Search Engine developer
Web developer
Focus on developing these types of thinking skills can also prepare the next generation for work in the new economy. Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat, argues that the future of the United States economy will depend on how well or workers can develop innovative services, products and technologies (Friedman, 2005). Several leaders in the business community feel that education in the United States does not adequately train students to do innovative work and help these students develop thinking skills that are necessary for innovation (Shaffer & Gee, 2005). Young people who enter the workforce should be trained to be creators and purveyors of knowledge "about innovative design of new products, services, and technologies" as well as "knowledge about new forms of social interactions and relationships" (Shaffer & Gee, 2005).
Friedman maintains that the key to developing this new workforce is training them as creative thinkers (Friedman, 2005). As students develop their logical/lateral thinking skills and solve a variety of problems and puzzles, they are also honing their ability to effectively and creatively solve the problems they may face in their jobs. This practice at problem solving also helps them develop the thinking that may inspire them to develop innovative products or processes.