Critical Thinking Course

Personalise
UNSW graphic yellow

Enrol

Duration

1 day 

Delivery mode

Face-to-face and online

Location

Canberra

Standard price

$1045.00

Accelerate your career, learn new skills, and expand your knowledge.

First in Australia for research excellence and impact.

Top 50 in the world. 2020 QS World University Rankings.

Overview

"Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualising, applying, analysing, synthesising and/or evaluating information as a guide to belief and action."

Critical thinking is the foundation of effective problem-solving and decision-making and enables us to avoid common obstacles, test our beliefs and assumptions, and correct distortions in our thought processes.

The Critical Thinking short course strengthens your ability to objectively analyse and assess problems accurately, evaluate alternative solutions, and anticipate likely risks. Learn a range of proven tools and techniques readily transferable on the job to identify challenges and respond to them in a structured and considered manner. Gain practical guidance on implementing these skills in your workplace to pressure test ideas quickly and constructively.

Course content

  • Introduction to Critical Thinking and Benefits of critical thinking in the workplace.
  • Critical thinking as a management skill.
  • Different thinking styles.
  • The Critical Thinking Process.
  • Lightweight tools and resources to bring critical thinking to your everyday job.
  • Human influential factors on the decision-making process and how to avoid them.

Learning outcomes

Skills/competencies/knowledge that would be gained through this course:
  • Understand the fundamentals of critical thinking and why it matters 
  • Identify, analyze, and evaluate different perspectives about a problem and solutions.
  • Recognize unstated assumptions, cognitive biases and heuristics as well as tactics to overcome them.
  • Better define the causes of problems before they occur and learn to leverage creativity in assisting with problem-solving.
  • Apply systematic reflective practice to examine and update your assumptions continually.
  • Apply a range of methods for bringing critical thinking to your problem-solving activities.

Who should attend

The critical thinking course is for any member or leader in Defence, Industry and Government groups. World Economic Forum identified complex problem-solving and critical thinking as the top 2 skills needed for the future of work and vital for success. The content in this course can be applied to a range of problem-solving situations, from team management and public services decisions to the defence and industry sectors.


Facilitator

Dr Ebrahim Aly

Ebrahim, a Research Associate at the UNSW Canberra, brings a blend of theoretical and practical expertise to his work in complex systems modeling. His research into resilience and sustainability of such systems employs a diverse range of methodologies including causal inference, Bayesian methods, and system dynamics. Beyond his research, Ebrahim applies his knowledge to nurture the development of crucial thinking techniques and mental modeling skills in professionals. His expertise in utilising models to solve intricate problems lays a solid foundation for this endeavour. Key principles guiding his research, such as causality, uncertainty, and dynamism, mirror the core tenets of critical thinking. Ebrahim’s work illuminates how the tools and methods of complex systems modeling can be leveraged to enrich and deepen understanding, empowering professionals to navigate and shape their fields with greater acuity."

Cancellation policy

Courses will be held subject to sufficient registrations. UNSW Canberra reserves the right to cancel a course up to five working days prior to commencement of the course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If registrant cancels within 10 days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply. UNSW Canberra is a registered ACT provider under ESOS Act 2000-CRICOS provider Code 00098G.