Critical Thinking & U!

Introduction

What it takes to succeed in life depends on the kind of world we inhabit. We need to be smart, creative and flexible according to the circumstances in which we find ourselves. And as those circumstances change, what if our old ways to respond are no longer effective? There has never been more uncertainty than there is in today's fast-moving world. If we are to survive, let alone succeed in our environment, we have to find ways of living with the uncertainties that it brings, and crafting for ourselves new solutions to both old and new problems.

This intensive, hands-on, activity-driven program teaches skills that boost better results through increased understanding and effective implementation of the critical thinking processes. It helps sharpen your skills and empowers you to take the best possible actions in any given situation. By providing you with a rigorous training environment, your active participation in our program will enable you to apply and sustain your learning to a point of forming winning habits. You will have the ability to create the greatest positive impact at every given opportunity when facing a problem and making a decision every time.

Course objectives

• Apply critical thinking tools in problem solving
• Create depth in the thinking process
• Develop higher level of problem solving competency
• Improve your focus on objectivity and creativity
• Foster a creative and stimulating environment within your workplace

Key contents

Module 1: Overview

• Definition of critical thinking
• Applications
• Critical thinking mindset
• Patterns of thinking
• Barriers to critical thinking

Module 2: Level 1 - Remember

• Recognizing a situation or problem
• Data collection
• Analysis study
• Solution development
• Implementation and monitoring

Module 3: Level 2 - Define

• Discovery questioning techniques
• Starbursting with 5W2H
• The Funnel Model
• Active listening techniques
• The art of being curious

Module 4: Level 3 - Understand

• Mind mapping
• Generating probable causes
• Fishbone diagram and the 6Ms
• T/F Circle
• Identifying root causes

Module 5: Level 4 - Apply

• 3D Action planning
• Structured brainstorming techniques ETAF
• Brainwriting, Round Robin and Charette Procedure
• Role-storming
• Reverse brainstorming

Module 6: Level 5 - Analyze

• Graph and data monitoring
• Setting control lines for effective monitoring
• Selection matrix
• Choices vs criteria
• Making analytical decisions

Module 7: Level 6 - Evaluate

• Thoroughness
• Situation
• Consideration
• Pros and cons
• Recommendation

Module 8: Level 7 - Create

• Risk assessment and mitigation
• What if
• The Devil's Advocate
• The Hot Seat
• Feedback and action planning