25.10.20
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CRITICAL THINKING

Teamwork - Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information. (NACE Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce)

Skills / Knowledge

  • Manage Ambiguity
  • Question Assumptions
  • Speak with Clarity and Precision
  • Demonstrate Self-Awareness

Earning Criteria

Required

skill

To earn the critical thinking micro-credential, students must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas (Education Design Lab Durable Skills Sub-Competencies):

Manage Ambiguity - Trust the process; manage their own anxiety; and gather information before settling on solutions prematurely.

  • Outline the solution

  • Assessment of consequences

  • Use of relevant information

  • Present an alternative

Question Assumptions - Resist easy answers; probe more deeply; and improve the problem-solving process.

  • Identifies stated assumptions underlying the reasoning

  • Identifies hidden or unstated assumptions underlying the reasoning

  • Explains approach for determining if assumptions are true

  • Determines if assumptions should be accepted or rejected

Speak w/ Clarity + Precision - Communicate ideas and information effectively, minimizing confusion and misinformation.

  • You focus on what the speaker is saying

  • Establishes a clear protagonist

  • Provides clear call to action

  • Shows confidence

  • Uses time constraints effectively

Demonstrate Self Awareness - Enlarge the conversation; Evaluate their own performance; recognize their motivations; and manage their anxiety.

  • Shows a sense of self

  • Shows perspective on self

  • Reflects on oneself in relation to others

  • Reflects on past actions without passing judgment

  • Describes strategies for managing emotions under stress

  • Uses awareness of past actions to inform future change

knowledge

Pre/Post Test for the sub-competencies: 

  1. Can I trust the process and avoid rushing to conclusions?

  2. Can I manage my own anxiety and avoid making impulsive decisions?

  3. Can I gather information from various sources before making decisions?

  4. Can I avoid accepting easy answers?

  5. Can I ask probing questions to get to the root of an issue?

  6. Can I improve my problem-solving by questioning assumptions?

  7. Can I effectively convey my ideas and information to others?

  8. Can I avoid confusing or misleading others?

  9. Can I initiate discussions on topics beyond my personal interests? Can I objectively evaluate my own work and identify areas for improvement?

  10. Can I objectively evaluate my own work and identify areas for improvement?

  11. Can I recognize my own motivations and biases?

  12. Can I manage my anxiety and stress effectively in challenging situations?