Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional
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Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional
This course is part of Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization
Instructor: Diane Davidson
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What you'll learn
Apply critical thinking skills to complex problems.
Apply a model for solving problems and pose questions to further understanding of specific problems.
Skills you'll gain
- Cognitive flexibility
- Constructive Feedback
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Independent Thinking
- Personal Development
- Emotional Intelligence
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Decision Making
- Creative Thinking
- Collaboration
- Self-Awareness
- Brainstorming
- Problem Solving
Details to know
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There are 3 modules in this course
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 this course you will have learned and memorized a practical model to solve problems on your own and with others. These 7 critical steps will ensure that you have looked at a problem from every angle and considered multiple solutions. In fact, this dynamic and holistic approach will help you solve problems once and for all!
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.
What's included
5 videos2 readings3 assignments2 discussion prompts
5 videos•Total 27 minutes
- Introduction to Problem Solving•5 minutes
- Why So Many Problems?•6 minutes
- Kinetic Memorization•4 minutes
- Identify the Problem•6 minutes
- Reframe•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 61 minutes
- Course Navigation and Safety Statement•1 minute
- Recommended Readings•60 minutes
3 assignments•Total 60 minutes
- Let's Practice: Problem Definition & Goal Reframing•30 minutes
- Identifying Problems Quiz•15 minutes
- Problem Solving Steps Quiz•15 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 40 minutes
- Identifying the Problem•30 minutes
- Reframe Your Problem•10 minutes
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.
What's included
5 videos2 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
5 videos•Total 21 minutes
- Module Introduction•4 minutes
- Individual vs. Group Brainstorming•4 minutes
- Brainstorming Guidelines•4 minutes
- Choose 3•3 minutes
- Advantages and Disadvantages•5 minutes
2 readings•Total 100 minutes
- Brainstorm Using Miro•10 minutes
- Recommended Readings•90 minutes
2 assignments•Total 30 minutes
- Let's Practice: Brainstorming, Selecting, and Evaluating Scenarios•30 minutes
- Module 2 Knowledge Checks•0 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 45 minutes
- Brainstorm Possible Solutions to Your Problem•15 minutes
- Choose 3 and Analyze the Advantages & Disadvantages•30 minutes
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.
What's included
6 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to Prepare and Recommend•2 minutes
- Prepare and Recommend Example•3 minutes
- Applying Your Recommendation•3 minutes
- Be and Avoid•5 minutes
- Engage Feedback•4 minutes
- Course Summary•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 60 minutes
- Recommended Readings•60 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
- Let's Practice: Preparing and Stress-Testing Your Recommendation•30 minutes
- Module 3 Knowledge Check•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
- Analyze Your Triggers•15 minutes
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Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022
Its a very good course ,it is necessary to learn the ethics and understanding the peoples ,to avoid the conflicts .So its very good course for everyone.
Reviewed on Mar 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the instructor's lessons. I felt like she was having a conversation with me, she's a breath fresh air and I loved every moment of this course.
Reviewed on Feb 21, 2021
I love the structure of the course. The steps are easy to remember with the help of Kinetic Memorization. Overall, this course exceeds my expectation. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
You'll learn how to approach professional problems more clearly and use a seven-step model to make better decisions. It starts with identifying the real issue and reframing it into a goal-oriented question, then builds into brainstorming options, weighing tradeoffs, and making a recommendation. You'll practice that process on real situations by defining a problem with the 6Ws and testing your thinking through feedback.
No, you don't need prior training in critical thinking or formal problem-solving methods. The course is beginner level and teaches the process step by step, from defining a problem to presenting a recommendation. Some experience with workplace or everyday challenges will help because many activities ask you to apply the framework to a problem you can actually influence.
Yes, it's beginner-friendly if you want a clear method rather than an abstract treatment of critical thinking. The course breaks the work into manageable steps, with lessons, quizzes, discussions, and guided practice around problems, solutions, and feedback. If you're looking for advanced theory or specialized analytical frameworks, it may feel more introductory than deep.
More questions
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