Critical Thinking Problem Solving

Critical Thinking And Problem-Solving Essentials For Good Decision-Making

In modern society, individuals often face a surplus of information, inundated with messages that encourage them to adopt certain beliefs, buy specific products, support particular causes, and lead a particular lifestyle. Amidst this deluge, it can be challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction.

The solution to this problem lies in honing one’s critical thinking skills. The ability to think logically and analyze problems systematically has become a crucial survival skill in today’s world. This course equips learners with practical tools and hands-on experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Participants in this course will learn how to identify underlying assumptions, perspectives, and arguments and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed plan or action. They will learn to differentiate between left-brain and right-brain thinking, minimize the influence of emotions in decision-making, and develop skills in critical questioning and evaluating multiple perspectives. By mastering these skills, learners will be better equipped to make informed decisions and take effective action in their personal and professional lives

Learning Objectives

  • Improve key critical thinking skills, including active listening and questioning
  • Use analytical thought systems and creative thinking techniques
  • Develop the ability to analyze and evaluate complex arguments using logical reasoning and evidence-based approaches.
  • Acquire the skills to identify and challenge cognitive biases and fallacies in one's own thinking and the thinking of others.
  • Foster the capacity to ask relevant and insightful questions that lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues and problems.
  • Enhance the ability to construct coherent and persuasive arguments using effective communication strategies.
  • Learn to apply critical thinking skills in real-world contexts, such as evaluating news articles or making decisions based on limited information.

AI Tool List - Sample

Category Tools
Text Generation & Summarization ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Microsoft Copilot
Slide Creation Gamma.app
Application Creation Lovable.dev
Video Narration / Visuals Synthesia.io, Canva AI Presenter
Document Processing (PDFs) Claude.ai, ChatGPT + plugins
Data Interpretation Excel Copilot, ChatGPT w/ tables, Tableau AI (demo), Excel formulas via AI

Course Outline

Day 1: Critical Thinking Essentials

  1. Pre-Course Assessment
  1. Course Overview
  1. Ice Breaker Activities

Chapter 1: Understanding Fundamentals of Good Reasoning

  • What is Critical Thinking?
  • Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
  • Common Critical Thinking Styles Making Connections

Chapter 2: Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making and how to avoid them

Chapter 3: The Critical Thinking Process

  • The Critical Thinking Model
  • The Standards of Critical Thinking
  • Identifying the Issues
  • Identifying the Arguments
  • Clarifying the Issues and Arguments
  • Establishing Context
  • Checking Credibility and Consistency
  • Evaluating Arguments Case Study
  • Probing Techniques
  • Pushing My Buttons
  • Critical Thinking Questions
  • Active Listening Skills

Chapter 5: Creating Explanations

  • Defining Explanations
  • Steps to Building an Explanation
  • Making Connections

Chapter 6: Dealing with Assumptions

  • Identifying and evaluating assumptions
  • Evaluating evidence and sources
  • Understanding logical fallacies
  • Evaluating credibility

Day 2: Mastering Problem Solving and Decision Making Tool

Energizer Activities

Chapter 7: Whys  and 1H

  • Definition of the technique and how it helps identify the root cause of a problem
  • Example of how the 1 H and 5 Whys technique is used to identify the root cause of a problem

Chapter 8: Creating a Fishbone Diagram

  • Definition of Fishbone Analysis and how it helps in problem-solving
  • Steps to create a Fishbone Diagram
  • Group activity: Creating a Fishbone Diagram for a given problem

Lunch Break

Afternoon Session

Chapter 11: 8D and 5Whys

  • Using the 8D and 5Why to make informed decisions in a technical situation
  • More techniques to analyse a problem
  • Importance of considering multiple criteria in decision-making
  • Group activity: Creating a 8D format for a given problem

Chapter 10: SWOT Analysis

  • Definition of SWOT Analysis and how it helps in strategic planning
  • Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
  • Group activity: Conducting a SWOT Analysis for a business scenario
  1. Wrap-up and Conclusion
  1. Recommended Reading List for Day2
  1. Post-Course Assessment

Important Note:

  • This course outline can be adjusted to suit your specific needs and learning objectives.
  • Course outline is subject to change with the Client’s consent and Business needs.

 

PROGRAM OWNER & LEAD TRAINER

Captain Fabian Fernandez

Circumnavigator | Leadership Facilitator

HRD Corp Accredited Trainer

Contact Critical Thinking Decision Making WhatsApp or Call:

Upgrade your team with our corporate training programs!