One Day • Instructor-led
Developing skills to effectively reason through problems and to present arguments in a logical, compelling way is a necessity in today’s world. This Thinking course will give participants some practical tools and hands-on experience.
Participants learn how to:
- Define critical and non-critical thinking
- Identify their thinking style(s), including areas of strength and improvement
- Work through the process to build or analyze arguments
- Improve key skills, including active listening and questioning
- Use analytical thought systems and creative thinking techniques
- Prepare and present powerful arguments
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Understanding Critical Thinking
- What is Critical Thinking?
- Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
- Common Critical Thinking Styles
- Making Connections
Lesson 2: Where Do Other Types of Thinking Fit In?
- Left- and Right-Brain Thinking
- Whole-Brain Thinking
Lesson 3: Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making
Lesson 4: 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
Lesson 5: A Critical Thinker’s Skill Set
- Asking Questions
- Probing Techniques
- Pushing My Buttons
- Critical Thinking Questions
- Active Listening Skills
Lesson 6: Creating Explanations
- Defining Explanations
- Steps to Building an Explanation
- Making Connections
Lesson 7: Dealing with Assumptions
Lesson 8: Common Sense
Lesson 9: Critical and Creative Thought Systems
- Techniques for Thinking Creatively
- Creative Thinking Exercise
- DeBono’s Thinking Hats
Lesson 10: Putting It Into Practice
- Presenting and Communicating Your Ideas to Others