Course outline for
Critical Thinking

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

DeBono’s Thinking Hats

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