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Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, and understanding the logical connection between ideas. The skills we need to be able to think critically are varied but include observation , analysis, interpretation , reflection and evaluation. In general, none of us think critically all the time, in fact mostly we think in anyway but critically.
Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by intuition or instinct. Someone with critical thinking skills can;
Understand the link between ideas
Determine the importance of arguments and ideas
Identify inconsistencies in reasoning
Reflect on the justification of their own assumptions , beliefs and values.
We have selected a few videos to help explain the method of critical thinking. These show an explanation of brain function, everyday critical thinking and an example of how it can raise the bar!
In this video, you’ll strategies to improve your critical thinking skills.
The Science of Productivity segment brings you scientific insights you can trust into how to accomplish your goals faster. In this week's segment, I want to offer an answer to a super important and long-debated question: can critical thinking be learned?
Critical thinking makes you better at solving problems rationally and making better decisions. It also helps you understand others better and fosters teamwork.
Is the sky really blue? That might seem obvious. But sometimes things are more nuanced and complicated than you think. Here are five strategies to boost your critical thinking skills.
Cognitive biases are flaws in logical thinking that clear the path to bad decisions, so learning about these ideas can reduce errors in your thought process, leading to a more successful life. These biases are very closely related to logical fallacies, which may help you win an argument or present information better.
Through an engaging series of "business propositions" (that may or may not be scams), he reveals: -Why even smart people fall for deception -The hidden flaws in how we analyse information -How desire can hijack our judgment
-A radical solution: "Critical thinking about critical thinking"
We have selected a few articles from Harvard Business Review, Zarvana, Entrepreneur and Forbes to help further develop understanding and consider different perspectives.
If you want to take this learning further? Have a listen to this podcast by Helen Lee Bouygues ( founder of reboot foundation)or complete this free and fully online course from Open University or test your critical thinking skills with this free test.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Sign up for a live online Skills Session. Our 2-hour online sessions, encourage active participation allowing you to exchange ideas with tutors and fellow apprentices.
By participating, you will:
Explore the importance of critical thinking in the workplace and how it can enhance your overall effectiveness.
Delve into the key components of critical thinking, equipping you with the tools and strategies necessary to tackle complex business challenges.
Take away a couple of practical techniques to sharpen your critical thinking skills, enabling you to make informed decisions and problem-solve more effectively.
Click on the link below to find out when the next session is running.
Book your space now!
Learning to stretch our thinking skills is integral to accelerating our development. This is a really important part of the learning process, and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and show progression in your Apprenticeship.
Here are two challenges for you to pick from- should you choose to accept, this will help you to develop critical thinking, evaluation skills and encourage creativity.
Challenge 1 Test your own critical thinking skills using one of the assessments above. Analyse your results and identify two ways that you could improve your critical thinking skills. Review the resources on this page, or from your own research that will support you to develop your skills further.
Identify your next steps to develop your critical thinking further, remember to update your training log and ILP. Discuss your reflection with your Talent Coach and agree on an action plan to take the next development steps.
Challenge 2 Improve your own critical thinking skills with this simple exercise. Different people have different styles of thinking and different styles of learning. You may have a strong preference toward visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning, which is fine, but if you want to think in new directions, it's important for you to try thinking (or at least expressing yourself) in different mediums. For example, if you've been talking about a problem out loud, try to diagram it. If you've been staring at charts all day, try to write down your interpretations of them.
Identify a problem or challenge that you are working on at the moment or recently. Then identify your personal thinking and learning style and then try working through the problem using a different medium.
Reflect on this exercise and identify if this has been more or less effective than your normal style. The new perspective can be quite enlightening.
Update your Learning Journal in OneFile with your evaluation and your reflections ready to discuss with your Talent Coach at your next review.
Reflective practice is, in its simplest form, thinking about or reflecting on what you do. It’s a really important part of learning from experience.
Within your apprenticeship you will be encouraged to reflect throughout your programme, the reason for this is two-fold.
Regular reflection will accelerate your development and help you to identify areas to develop helping you to constantly move forward.
A summary or log of your reflections on your development will be required as part of your endpoint assessment activities. These reflections should demonstrate your ability to 'critically evaluate' your performance and development.
Reflection is a skill and practice will make it easier, it should also be an enjoyable experience and a chance to concentrate on what you need.
To support you to develop this skill we have gathered a range of resources and articles to help you find a reflective model that works for you.
Click on the button below to access the Reflective Practice page for additional resources.