Critical Thinking Skills

Critical Thinking Skills is presented in three 2-hour sections which can be done in the same day or on different days.

Session 1

Learning Objectives:

• Understand practical applications of various forms of thinking, from highest order to lowest order
• Analyze root causes
• Gain insight about common, often faulty, assumptions we have about problems
• Garner a basic understanding of risk assessment

Course Outline:

• Topic Introduction
• Understanding Bloom’s Taxonomy and the Levels of Higher Order Thinking
• Considering Problems
• Analyzing:  Challenging Assumptions
• Analyzing Root Causes:  Five Why Tool
• Basic Risk Analysis

Session 2

Learning Objectives:

• Formulate argument statements based on logic
• Articulate problem statements
• Separate problems from their effects and symptoms
• Brainstorm potential solutions to complex problems

Course Outline:

• Understanding complex topics by sorting out claims, counterclaims and rebuttals
• Forming problem statements
• Examining Complex Causes:  Fishbone Diagram
• Generating Solutions:  Mind Map, Brainstorming

Session 3

Learning Objectives:

• Narrow Solutions To Most Appropriate With Appropriate Criteria
• Build Agreement Between Disparate Stakeholders When
• Considering Multiple Solutions
• Apply Course Material Back At The Workplace

Course Outline:

• Establishing Criteria to Examine Solutions
• Using Criteria to Determine Best Solution
• Consensus, Voting and Considering Solutions with Disparate Stakeholders
• Applying Course Materia to a Complex, Multi-faceted Case Study (optional, could be provided by client)
• Creating Action Plans to Use Critical Thinking Back at the Workplace and for the Benefit of the Organization