Critical Thinking Fundamentals

Most people would agree that critical thinking is vital in the workplace, as it enables employees to effectively solve problems and make decisions. This thereby offers more valuable contributions to your organization. However, critical thinking requires a strong sense of self-awareness and a keen understanding of how to systematically approach situations.

Critical Thinking Fundamentals was designed to help participants arrive at more stable, effective solutions and decisions by learning how to build the skills that are the foundation of the critical thinking process. This includes the ability to reason, to predict consequences, and to evaluate the merit of potential conclusions. Participants will also learn how to apply a consistent thought process to any situation that requires a resolution or action.

Critical Thinking Fundamentals was designed to help participants make better decisions by learning how to build the skills that are the foundation of the critical thinking process. This program introduces a unique, four-step model to critical thinking built on the premise that effective critical thinking requires the ability to look at a situation from a broad to narrow perspective. Participants are given the opportunity to apply the concept behind this process in a case study.

At the end of this learning experience, participants will be able to:

• Establish a common understanding of what critical thinking is.
• Identify the foundational attitudes and skills of critical thinking.
• Provide a four-step process for using critical thinking on the job.
• Recognize and avoid common critical thinking mistakes.
• Practice new skills in a low-risk environment.

Critical Thinking Fundamentals allows participants to learn and apply higher-level problem-solving skills in a low-risk environment. They learn three foundational skills through a four-step process to critical thinking. Those foundational skills include the ability to:

• Reason and rationalize
• Predict consequences
• Evaluate the merit of potential conclusions

Facilitator Guide: Order One Guide per Trainer

The Facilitator Guide includes everything you need to lead a successful workshop in a convenient 3-ring binder format. Digital facilitator support materials include a PowerPoint Presentation, learning overview, theory background, FAQs, and a handout.

Workbook 5-Pack: Order One Pack for Up to Five Participants

The workbook deepens participants’ understanding of the concepts and ideas in the workshop and allows each participant to practice the skills being learned.

QuickStart Train-the-Trainer: 1-Hour Virtual Coaching Session for This Product

QST is a convenient, one-hour virtual coaching session for first-time facilitators of this product. You'll receive personalized, one-on-one coaching with a subject matter expert who will get you up to speed quickly and accurately so you can step into the onsite with confidence. We'll answer all your questions about the facilitation of the product. And you can add additional coaching hours as needed. Your coaching session can be provided by telephone or video call and at a time of your choosing.

Facilitators will also receive an HRDQ Certificate of Completion for completing the QuickStart session.

Kate Ward graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Michigan State University. She has more than 20 years of experience in training development. She worked as manager of curriculum development at CareerTrack, where she authored programs, supervised a team of instructional designers, and facilitated training. She also served as the senior instructional designer at TreeLine Training and was responsible for leading the development of the core skills curriculum library. Kate is the author of the highly acclaimed Personality Style at Work as well as the Skills Development for Today's Professionals e-book series.

Additional Product Resources

• Infographic | The Characteristics and Skills of Critical Thinking