Mastering Critical Thinking

Description

This course provides the foundation for students to identify and develop mastery in specific critical thinking skills to improve the decisions they make in all areas of their life. We'll start by examining why critical thinking matters and define our terms and key concepts. Next, we'll identify and discuss how to overcome several common cognitive biases, foster intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, and cultivate a growth mindset. We'll also examine in detail the six components of critical thinking, which are: observing, understanding, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. Next, we'll use the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) test to help us assess the reliability of sources and credibility of information. Then, we'll discuss how to use deductive and inductive reasoning to form arguments and evaluate the strength of an argument. Each module of instruction is followed with a knowledge check to help you retain and apply key learning points. Before you take the final assessment, you'll also have several opportunities to develop your critical thinking skills in each of the six components as you apply your skills to a problem-centric scenario. These exercises are intended to help you transfer what you learn to the real-world and give yourself the decision advantage.

Who this course is for:

• This is a foundational course and was written as a preparatory course to improve student success in the Level 1 Intelligence Analyst Certification Course. However, this comprehensive course is also a great refresher course for even the most seasoned critical thinker. It will empower individuals with the knowledge and techniques necessary to enhance their critical thinking skills. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world applications, participants will develop the ability to gather information, validate, and analyze to solve problems and make informed decisions.