Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Course

Lesson 1 • Defining Critical Thinking

Establishes a precise, operational definition of critical thinking distinct from opinion or intuition. Anchors the chapter by giving learners a shared vocabulary for all subsequent topics.

Lesson 2 • The Thinking Process Explained

Maps the cognitive stages from perception to judgment. Learners see how each stage can introduce error or clarity.

Lesson 3 • Standards of Good Reasoning

Introduces universal intellectual standards: clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, and fairness. Learners apply these standards to evaluate everyday arguments.

Lesson 4 • Cultivating a Critical Mindset

Translates abstract standards into daily habits and professional practices. Learners leave with a personal action plan for ongoing mindset development.

Lesson 1 • Constructing Persuasive Arguments

Guides learners to build well-supported, logically sound arguments for professional contexts. Connects logic skills to real communication challenges.

Lesson 2 • Recognizing Logical Fallacies

Catalogs common formal and informal fallacies that undermine arguments. Learners spot and name fallacies in professional communications.

Lesson 3 • Inductive Reasoning

Examines how evidence supports probable conclusions without guaranteeing them. Learners assess inductive strength and the role of sample quality.

Lesson 4 • Structure of an Argument

Breaks down arguments into claims, premises, and conclusions. Learners map real-world statements onto this structure to test validity.

Lesson 1 • How Biases Form

Explains the dual-process theory of thinking and how heuristics generate systematic errors. Provides the cognitive science foundation for the entire chapter.

Lesson 2 • High-Impact Cognitive Biases

Surveys the most consequential biases in professional settings: confirmation, anchoring, availability, and sunk-cost. Learners recognize each bias in case examples.

Lesson 3 • Debiasing Strategies

Provides evidence-based techniques to reduce bias impact: pre-mortems, devil's advocacy, and structured reflection. Learners practice each technique on realistic scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Social and Group Biases

Addresses biases that emerge in team and organizational contexts, including in-group favouritism and authority bias. Learners assess group dynamics critically.

Lesson 1 • Reframing Problem Statements

Guides learners to challenge initial problem frames and generate alternative perspectives. Reframing unlocks solution spaces that narrow framing forecloses.

Lesson 2 • Why Problem Definition Matters

Demonstrates how misdiagnosed problems lead to wasted effort and failed solutions. Sets the motivation for rigorous problem framing throughout the chapter.

Lesson 3 • Writing a Clear Problem Statement

Provides a template and criteria for crafting precise, actionable problem statements. Learners draft and peer-review problem statements for clarity and completeness.

Lesson 4 • Problem Decomposition Techniques

Teaches methods for breaking complex problems into manageable components. Learners apply decomposition to reduce cognitive overload and clarify scope.

Lesson 1 • Brainstorming and Ideation Methods

Covers classic and advanced ideation techniques including brainstorming, brainwriting, and SCAMPER. Learners practice each method and compare output quality.

Lesson 2 • Creativity in Professional Contexts

Reframes creativity as a learnable, systematic skill rather than innate talent. Establishes why divergent thinking is essential before evaluating options.

Lesson 3 • Lateral Thinking Strategies

Introduces lateral thinking as a deliberate method for bypassing conventional thought patterns. Learners use provocations and random entry to generate unexpected solutions.

Lesson 4 • Managing and Filtering Ideas

Provides criteria and tools for transitioning from divergent generation to focused evaluation. Learners apply dot voting, impact-effort grids, and criteria matrices.

Lesson 1 • Systems Thinking Approach

Introduces feedback loops, leverage points, and emergent behaviour in complex systems. Learners map system dynamics to avoid unintended consequences.

Lesson 2 • Selecting and Combining Frameworks

Guides learners to integrate multiple frameworks for complex, multi-layered problems. Builds the judgment needed to adapt tools rather than follow them rigidly.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Problem-Solving Frameworks

Maps the landscape of analytical frameworks and when each is most appropriate. Learners avoid the trap of applying a single method to every problem.

Lesson 4 • Design Thinking Process

Walks through the five-stage design thinking model: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Learners apply the full cycle to a human-centered problem.

Lesson 1 • Types and Quality of Evidence

Distinguishes anecdotal, empirical, and expert evidence and ranks them by reliability. Learners apply a quality hierarchy to real information sources.

Lesson 2 • Data Interpretation Skills

Covers reading charts, statistics, and research summaries without misinterpretation. Learners identify misleading data presentations and extract accurate insights.

Lesson 3 • Avoiding Decision Traps

Identifies common decision-making traps: escalation of commitment, framing effects, and overconfidence. Learners apply countermeasures before finalising decisions.

Lesson 4 • Structured Decision-Making Models

Introduces decision matrices, cost-benefit analysis, and multi-criteria evaluation. Learners apply each model to compare options objectively.

Lesson 1 • End-to-End Problem-Solving Workflow

Synthesises the complete process from problem definition through solution implementation and review. Learners see how all chapter skills connect in a single workflow.

Lesson 2 • Case Study Analysis Method

Teaches a structured approach to dissecting and solving case studies under time constraints. Learners practice rapid problem framing and evidence-based recommendation.

Lesson 3 • Reflection and Continuous Improvement

Establishes a personal after-action review practice to extract lessons from each problem-solving experience. Learners build a growth loop for ongoing skill development.

Lesson 4 • Collaborative Problem Solving

Addresses how to apply critical thinking skills effectively within teams and cross-functional groups. Learners manage diverse perspectives and reach shared conclusions.