LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Define critical and non-critical thinking
• Identify your critical thinking style(s), including areas of strength and improvement
• Describe other thinking styles, including left/right brain thinking and whole-brain thinking
• Work through the critical thinking process to build or analyze arguments
• Develop and evaluate explanations
• Improve key critical thinking skills, including active listening and questioning
• Use analytical thought systems and creative thinking techniques
• Prepare and present powerful arguments

COURSE OVERVIEW & CONTENT:

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?

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 two-day workshop will give you some practical tools and hands-on experience with critical thinking and problem solving.

Understanding Critical Thinking

• What is Critical Thinking?
• Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
• Common Critical Thinking Styles
• Making Connections
• Ways to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Where Do Other Types of Thinking Fit In?

• Left- and Right-Brain Thinking
• Whole-Brain Thinking

Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making

• The Barriers to Good Decision Making and How to Get Around Them

The Critical Thinking Process

• The Seven Phase 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

A Critical Thinker’s Skill Set

• Asking Questions
• Probing Techniques
• Pushing My Buttons
• Critical Thinking Questions
• Active Listening Skills

Creating Explanations

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

Dealing with Assumptions

• How to Reduce the Number of Assumptions that we Rely On

Common Sense

• A Frequently Overlooked Thinking Tool: Common Sense

Critical and Creative Thought Systems

• Techniques for Thinking Creatively
• Creative Thinking Exercise
• DeBono’s Thinking Hats
• Brainstorming

Putting it into Practice

• Tips on Preparing and Presenting a Powerful, Logical Argument.
• Presenting and Communicating Your Ideas to Others
• Pre-Assignment Preparation
• Presentations

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

• Group Discussions
• Group & Individual Exercises
• Presentations
• Case Studies
• Self-Assessments
• Action Plan
   

DELEGATE FEEDBACK:

"The programme was suitable for different level of functions within an organization."

Mr Charles, Operation Manager
 

COURSE DURATION: TWO DAY