Do you ask a lot of questions before making decisions? Do you break down complex problems to help generate solutions?

Then you are a critical thinker! Individuals with strong critical thinking abilities identify patterns and draw key insights from complex information. While creativity allows you to come up with new ideas, it's critical thinking that helps you analyze information in a logical way, and evaluate options to make the best decisions possible. 

Critical thinking is a broad term that includes a lot of different activities, such as:

• Asking questions to clarify information (querying)

• Seeking out additional context or information when there isn't enough information to support a decision (researching)

• Working to understand and make meaning of information (interpreting)

• Communicating key information (summarizing and presenting)

• Stepping back from a "gut reaction" or personal feelings to reflect on the logic of a given argument, pitch, or concept (reasoning)

• Using available information to draw conclusions (deducing and inferring)

• Using conclusions to determine the value of an idea (judging and evaluating)

It is not unusual for professionals to excel at one aspect of critical thinking, and have room for growth in another. This module will help you to understand critical thinking processes and develop a deeper appreciation for the mindsets that can make your critical thinking skills more impactful.

• Watch What is Critical Thinking? (3 min)

• Read Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (15 min)

• Read Critical Thinking is the One Skillset You Can’t Afford Not to Master (10 min)

• Read 16 Characteristics of Critical Thinkers (8 min)