Section outline

  • Course Overview

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    • This course empowers learners with the tools to analyze information objectively, identify biases, and approach problems logically. Suitable for students, professionals, and lifelong learners seeking to enhance decision-making skills.

  • 🧠 Learning Objectives

    • Introduces the concept of critical thinking and its real-world importance. Students begin to understand how clear, logical thinking supports better decisions.

      Learning Components:

      • Video Lecture: “What is Critical Thinking?” (8 min)

      • Reading: “The Basics of Thinking Clearly” (CriticalThinking.org)

      • Discussion: Describe a situation where you used (or failed to use) critical thinking.

      • Quiz: 5-question self-check on key terms (e.g., logic, assumptions, objectivity)

  • 1. Foundations of Critical Thinking

      • What is Critical Thinking?

        • Introduces the concept of critical thinking and its real-world importance. Students begin to understand how clear, logical thinking supports better decisions.

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          Learning Components:

          • Video Lecture: “What is Critical Thinking?” (8 min)

          • Reading: “The Basics of Thinking Clearly” (CriticalThinking.org)

          • Discussion: Describe a situation where you used (or failed to use) critical thinking.

          • Quiz: 5-question self-check on key terms (e.g., logic, assumptions, objectivity)

      • Barriers to Thinking Clearly

        • Explanation:
          Explores common obstacles to critical thinking, such as emotions, peer pressure, and cognitive laziness.

          Learning Components:

          • Reading: Excerpt from Becoming a Critical Thinker by Sherry Diestler

          • Activity: Reflective journal – “Which barrier affects me the most, and why?”

  • 2. Reasoning and Logical Thinking

      • Types of Reasoning: Deductive & Inductive

        • Explanation:
          Covers how conclusions are drawn through two key reasoning types: deduction (general to specific) and induction (specific to general).

          Reasoning and problem solving in schizophrenia - NeuRA Library

          Learning Components:

          • Video: CrashCourse – “Introduction to Logic”

          • Exercise: Classify examples as deductive or inductive

      • Identifying Logical Fallacies

        • Explanation:
          Students learn how to recognize flawed arguments. Logical fallacies like straw man or slippery slope are explained with examples.

          Logical Fallacy - BrandMentions Wiki

          Learning Components:

          • Reading: “10 Logical Fallacies You Should Know” (PDF)

          • Interactive Game: “Find the Fallacy” (choose-the-fallacy style)

          • Assignment: Analyze a news article or ad for logical fallacies

  • 3: Practical Problem Solving

      • Defining the Problem Clearly

        • Explanation:
          Shows how to break down vague or complex issues into manageable, well-defined problems — a critical step before attempting a solution.

          Sharpen Your Problem Solving Skills: Be an Effective International Student

          Learning Components:

          • Reading: “How to Frame a Problem to Find the Right Solution”

          • Worksheet: Turn a fuzzy problem into a SMART problem

      • Root Cause Analysis & Brainstorming

        • Explanation:
          Students learn structured approaches like the "5 Whys" and fishbone diagrams to uncover underlying causes and generate creative ideas.

          problem analysis fish bone diagram

          Learning Components:

          • Video: “Root Cause Analysis in 5 Minutes”

          • Practice: Use “5 Whys” on a personal or fictional problem

          • Activity: Brainstorm and submit three potential solutions

  • 4: Making Effective Decisions

      • Understanding Cognitive Biases

        • Explanation:
          Students explore how mental shortcuts (biases) can distort thinking — such as confirmation bias, anchoring, or hindsight bias.

          Uncovering unconscious bias in the workplace

          Learning Components:

          • Reading: “Common Cognitive Biases” article

          • Video: TED Talk – “Why We Make Bad Decisions” (Dan Gilbert)

          • Discussion: Describe a biased decision you made and what you learned

      • Decision-Making Tools and Reflective Thinking

        • Explanation:
          Introduces tools like decision trees and cost-benefit analysis. Students learn to reflect before acting, especially under pressure.

          Decision Tree | GeeksforGeeks

          Learning Components:

          • Video: “How Decision Trees Work”

          • Tool: Decision-making template (downloadable)

          • Final Project: Identify a real or fictional problem and present a reasoned solution using course tools (report, video, or slide deck)

          • Peer Review: Give feedback on two classmates’ submissions