Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional

University of California, Davis via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-skills-for-professionals

Introduction

### Course Review: Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, the ability to think critically and solve problems effectively has never been more important. If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by the problems you face at work or home, or if you’ve proposed a solution only to be met with resistance, you may benefit greatly from the "Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional" course offered on Coursera. #### Course Overview "Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional" is designed with a clear focus: to equip you with essential tools for analytical thinking and effective problem-solving in a professional environment. The course is particularly timely as it helps learners navigate the many challenges that arise in both personal and professional contexts, ensuring that you can approach situations with clarity and confidence. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured in three comprehensive modules: 1. **Getting Started and Introduction to Problem Solving**: - This foundational module sets the stage by introducing a model for solving problems of any size. Participants will learn to identify all aspects of a problem, and how to analyze their role within it. The module emphasizes reframing questions, which is crucial in shifting from a narrow view to a broader perspective that can uncover the real issues at hand. 2. **Brainstorming and Analyzing Options**: - Here, creativity meets analysis. You will engage in brainstorming sessions to come up with potential solutions to the problems you’ve identified. The focus will be on evaluating three selected options thoroughly, weighing their advantages and disadvantages. This module is pivotal for anyone looking to enhance their ability to generate effective and well-thought-out solutions. 3. **Recommending and Engaging Feedback**: - Communication is just as crucial as problem-solving skills. This module dives deep into understanding your emotional triggers and how they might affect your reactions to feedback and decision-making processes. You will learn how to formulate and present recommendations confidently, while also cultivating skills for engaging with feedback constructively—turning criticism into a valuable tool for growth. #### Review and Recommendations The "Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional" course excels in its structured approach to a skill set that is essential in today’s workplace. The modules build progressively, allowing learners to develop their abilities systematically, while also incorporating real-world applications. The blend of theory and practical exercises ensures that participants can not only absorb information but also apply it immediately. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's particularly beneficial for professionals in leadership, management, or any role that requires collaborative decision-making. Even if you don't currently face significant problems at work, the techniques learned in this course can empower you to prevent future issues or to innovate more effectively in your role. With a commitment to improving your critical thinking abilities through this course, you will undoubtedly emerge more confident and equipped to tackle challenges head-on, transforming obstacles into opportunities for advancement. Don't miss out on the chance to refine your skills and elevate your professional performance—enroll in "Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional" today!

Syllabus

Getting Started and Introduction to Problem Solving

In this module, you will be able to apply a model for solving any problem, large or small, in a creative and collaborative way. You will also be able to identify all aspects of a problem and examine role in the problem. You will be able to reframe a goal oriented question.

Brainstorming and Analyzing Options

In this module, you will be able to brainstorm solutions to your possible problem. You will choose 3 possible options and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You will be able to generate more effective solutions.

Recommending and Engaging Feedback

In this module, you will be able to explore your own triggers and how they may show up in our reactions. You'll be able to identify potential responses that could trigger negative reactions. You will be able to prepare and make a recommendation to your problem. You will also be able to engage in feedback.

Overview

Have you ever tried to find a solution to a problem only to realize you’ve been focusing on the wrong problem from the very beginning? Or you’ve proposed a solution only to have it shut down by your boss or coworkers? How stressful and defeating is that? With massive changes in our world that seem to create the most difficult of circumstances, both personally and professionally, your skills as a critical thinker and problem solver need to be further developed now more than ever. By the end of

Skills

Critical Thinking Decision-Making Problem Solving Brainstorming

Reviews

This is a great course I was really interested in spending my time to learn and build critical thinking and problem-solving skill stronger.

It is great course to learn and improve your critical thinking and taking decision based on procedure and principles laind down .

One of the greatest online courses I have ever taken. The instructor was much knowledgeable and engaging. I gained a lot from this course. Thank You so much!

Very easy to follow. The instructor does a great job maintaining engagement. The outside source materials included are relevant to the course. Is not overly time consuming.

very informative/supportive course and way of teaching/ online lectures was very convincing and much easy to understand.