Critical Thinking Skills

2 Days

Introduction

We live in a knowledge based society, and the more critically we think the better our knowledge will be. Critical Thinking will provide you with the skills necessary to analyse and evaluate the information so that you are able to obtain the greatest volume of knowledge from it. It provides the best chance of making the correct decision, and minimises damages if a mistake does occur.

Critical Thinking will lead to being a more rational and disciplined thinker. It will reduce your prejudice and bias which will provide you with a better understanding of your environment.

This workshop will provide you the skills to evaluate, identify, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. It will lead you to be more productive in your career, and provide a great skill in your everyday life.

Programme Objectives:

• Understand the components of critical thinking
• Utilise non-linear thinking
• Use logical thinking
• Recognise what it means to be a critical thinker
• Evaluate information using critical thinking skills
• Identify the benefits of critical thinking
• Revise perspective, when necessary
• Comprehend problem solving abilities

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for professionals who wish to improve their critical thinking capability: department managers, directors, supervisors, project managers, IT project managers, project coordinators, project analysts, project leaders, senior project managers, team leaders, product managers, program managers, associate project managers, stakeholders, team members, and all others responsible for resource allocations.

Course Content

This two-day course will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: Components of Critical Thinking

• Applying Reason
• Open Mindedness
• Analysis
• Logic
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Module Three: Non-Linear Thinking

• Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Don’t Jump to Conclusions
• Expect and Initiate Change
• Being Ready to Adapt
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Logical Thinking

• Ask the Right Questions
• Organize the Data
• Evaluate the Information
• Draw Conclusions
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: Critical Thinkers (I)

• Active Listening
• Be Curious
• Be Disciplined
• Be Humble
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: Critical Thinkers (II)

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Objectivity
• Using Your Emotions
• Being Self-Aware
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Evaluate Information

• Making Assumptions
• Watch out for Bias
• Ask Clarifying Questions
• SWOT Analysis
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Benefits of Critical thinking

• Being More Persuasive
• Better Communication
• Better Problem Solving
• Increased Emotional Intelligence
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: Changing Your Perspective

• Limitations of Your Point of View
• Considering Others Viewpoint
• Influences on Bias
• When New Information Arrives
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Problem Solving

• Identify Inconsistencies
• Trust Your Instincts
• Asking Why?
• Evaluate the Solution(s)
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Putting It All Together

• Retaining Your New Skills
• Reflect and Learn From Mistakes
• Always Ask Questions
• Practicing Critical Thinking
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations