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Critical Thinking

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Course Overview

In today’s society, many people experience information overload. We are bombarded with messages to believe various ideas, purchase things, support causes, and lead our lifestyle in a particular way. How do you know what to believe? How do you separate the truth from the myths?

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Knowledge Checks

Digital Workbook

Certificate

Tutor Support

Course Value $350

Course Description

The answer lies in critical thinking skills. The ability to clearly reason through problems and to present arguments in a logical, compelling way has become a key skill for survival in today’s world. This course will give you some practical tools and hands-on experience with critical thinking and problem solving.

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  • MODULE 1 • 3 LESSONS

    Course Overview


    • Learning Objectives + Exercise 1
    • Pre-Assignment
    • Pre-Course Assessment

  • MODULE 2 • 8 LESSONS

    Understanding Critical Thinking


    • Understanding Critical Thinking
    • What is Critical Thinking?
    • Critical vs. Non-Critical Thinking
    • A Closer Look
    • Sample Statements
    • Glossary
    • Characteristics of a Critical Thinker + Exercise 2
    • Common Critical Thinking Styles
    • Making Connections + Exercise 3

  • MODULE 3 • 3 LESSONS

    Where Do Other Types of Thinking Fit In


    • Where Do Other Types of Thinking Fit In
    • Left and Right Brain Thinking
    • Whole-Brain Thinking

  • MODULE 4 • 11 LESSONS

    Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making


    • Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making
    • Pitfalls and Solutions
    • Building a House on Sand
    • Red Herring
    • Emotional Manipulation
    • Negative Arguments
    • Omitting Facts
    • Overgeneralizing
    • Oversimplifying
    • The Slippery Slope
    • Using the Straw Man

  • MODULE 5 • 16 LESSONS

    The Critical Thinking Process


    • The Critical Thinking Process
    • The Problem Solving Model
    • The Standards of Critical Thinking
    • Identifying the Issues
    • Case Studies + Exercise 4
    • Identifying the Arguments
    • Case Studies + Exercise 5
    • Clarifying the Issues and Arguments + Exercise 6
    • Establishing Context
    • Mini Case Study + Exercise 7
    • Checking Credibility and Consistency
    • Consistency
    • Case Study: Changing Cafeteria Offerings + Exercise 8
    • Evaluating Arguments
    • Case Study
    • Critical Thinking Worksheet + Exercise 9

  • MODULE 6 • 12 LESSONS

    A Critical Thinkers Skill Set


    • A Critical Thinkers Skill Set
    • Asking Questions
    • Closed Questions
    • Probing Techniques
    • Probing Techniques Part Two
    • Pushing My Buttons + Exercise 10
    • Critical Thinking Questions + Exercise 11
    • Active Listening Skills
    • Responding to Feelings
    • Reading Cues
    • Demonstration Cues
    • Tips for Becoming a Better Listener

  • MODULE 7 • 11 LESSONS

    Creating Explanations


    • Creating Explanations
    • Defining Explanations
    • Mini Case Study
    • Making Connections + Exercise 12
    • Steps to Building an Explanation
    • Gathering Information + Exercise 13
    • Processing Information
    • Developing Hypotheses
    • Testing Hypotheses
    • Making Connections
    • Questions + Exercise 14

  • MODULE 8 • 2 LESSONS

    Dealing with Assumptions


    • Dealing with Assumptions
    • The Pros and Cons of Assumptions

  • MODULE 9 • 2 LESSONS

    Common Sense


    • Common Sense
    • Making Connections + Exercise 15

  • MODULE 10 • 11 LESSONS

    Critical and Creative Thought Systems


    • Critical and Creative Thought Systems
    • Techniques for Thinking Creatively
    • Imagine the Opposite
    • Breaking Down Assumptions
    • Random Word Method
    • The Triad
    • Secret Characters
    • Don’t Re-Invent the Wheel
    • Creative Thinking Exercise + Exercise 16
    • DeBono’s Thinking Hats
    • The Value of the Hats

  • MODULE 11 • 5 LESSONS

    Putting It into Practice


    • Putting It into Practice
    • Presenting and Communicating Your Ideas to Others
    • Pre-Assignment Preparation + Exercise 17
    • Presentation Worksheet + Exercise 18
    • Presentations + Exercise 19

  • MODULE 12 • 5 LESSONS

    A Personal Action Plan


    • A Personal Action Plan
    • Starting Point + Exercise 20a
    • Where I Want to Go + Exercise 20b
    • How I Will Get There + Exercise 20c
    • Summary

  • MODULE 13 • 3 LESSONS

    WRAPPING UP


    • Recommended Reading List
    • Post-Course Assessment
    • Digital Workbook Submission

Further Your Learning Journey

Connect your SMART Mind. SMART Body. and SMART Soul. Further your learning with other related resources and courses.

  • Emotional Intelligence

    Emotional Intelligence

  • Creative Thinking

    Creative Thinking