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Critical Thinking Training

Critical Thinking TrainingEmployers, managers and educators agree that people who use critical thinking have better problem solving abilities. They are more effective.

Today many job postings list the ability to think critically as an essential work requirement. Experts have stated that "society should place a high value on critical thinking." (Facione, 1996)

But what is critical thinking and how can we train for it?

To be more consistent and effective at critical thinking, we follow 6 basic steps:

1. Does it make sense? (Interpretation)

The first step in thinking critically requires that we understand what is being communicated.

2. What does it mean? Is the meaning clear? (Analysis)

When we look for the meaning of communications we are attempting to identify what the information was intended to express.

3. Is it true or false? (Evaluation)

We look for evidence or reasons that support or challenge the information. We are searching for the truth.

4. What else follows? (Inference)

Are there new conclusions or implications to be drawn from the information? Do we need to change our thinking or opinion?

5. Can I say what I'm thinking so others can understand? (Explanation)

Explanation helps others understand how and why you have taken a particular position or made a specific decision and also ensures that we have arrived at our conclusion by following a well-ordered process

6. Have I missed anything? How am I doing? (Self Regulation)

We check the strength of our position or decision. We think about our reasoning to ensure that our biases, opinions and self interests have not negatively influenced our conclusions. We ask ourselves, "How does this affect me?"

This process of thinking critically gives us proactive tools to apply reason to our surroundings. These tools are not enough however. They need to be coupled with Thoughtful and reflective characteristics including –independence and self reliance

You could identify someone who attempts to apply critical thinking as

 

  • Looking for the truth
  • Brave
  • Open-minded
  • Realistic
 
  • Organized
  • Self confident
  • Curious
  • Intellectually mature thinkers


Someone who doesn't think critically will usually:

  • Not be interested in getting all the facts and would tend to rely on opinions when making decisions.
  • Deny his or her biases, prejudices, and self-interests.
  • Jump to conclusions or put things off rather than make a judgement.
  • Rarely re-consider his or her opinion.


Critical thinking training helps move people towards an understanding of how to increase personal capacity.

This training can be applied to build effectiveness.

Customized workshops and training available to meet your needs.

Making Common Sense Common

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