Developing skills to effectively reason through problems and to present arguments in a logical, compelling way is a necessity in today’s world. This two-day Critical Thinking training 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
Velsoft’s Critical Thinking training materials are easy to customize for anyone familiar with MS Office products. Trainers can add, remove, or edit courseware content to meet the needs of their particular learners, add a logo, print only the training materials they need, and then deliver the course as many times as they desire for one reasonable price. Get started now!
How to Use This Guide
Session One: Course Overview
Session Two: Understanding Critical Thinking
What is Critical Thinking?
Characteristics of a Critical Thinker
Common Critical Thinking Styles
Making Connections
Session Three: Where Do Other Types of Thinking Fit In?
Left- and Right-Brain Thinking
Whole-Brain Thinking
Session Four: Pitfalls to Reasoned Decision Making
Session Five: 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
Case Study
Session Six: A Critical Thinker’s Skill Set
Asking Questions
Probing Techniques
Pushing My Buttons
Critical Thinking Questions
Active Listening Skills
Session Seven: Creating Explanations
Defining Explanations
Steps to Building an Explanation
Making Connections
Session Eight: Dealing with Assumptions
Session Nine: Common Sense
Session Ten: Critical and Creative Thought Systems
Techniques for Thinking Creatively
Creative Thinking Exercise
Session Eleven: Putting It Into Practice
Presenting and Communicating Your Ideas to Others
Pre-Assignment Preparation
Presentations
Recommended Reading List
Post-Course Assessment
Pre- and Post-Assessment Answer Keys
Personal Action Plan