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This course provides the foundation for students to identify and develop mastery in specific critical thinking skills to improve the decisions they make in all areas of their life. We'll start by examining why critical thinking matters and define our terms and key concepts. Next, we'll identify and discuss how to overcome several common cognitive biases, foster intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, and cultivate a growth mindset. We'll also examine in detail the six components of critical thinking, which are: observing, understanding, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. Next, we'll use the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) test to help us assess the reliability of sources and credibility of information. Then, we'll discuss how to use deductive and inductive reasoning to form arguments and evaluate the strength of an argument. Each module of instruction is followed with a knowledge check to help you retain and apply key learning points. Before you take the final assessment, you'll also have several opportunities to develop your critical thinking skills in each of the six components as you apply your skills to a problem-centric scenario. These exercises are intended to help you transfer what you learn to the real-world and give yourself the decision advantage.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Strengthens an existing foundation for intermediate learners by identifying and mastering critical thinking skills
Builds a strong foundation for beginners of the six components of critical thinking: observing, understanding, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating
Develops generalizable and transferable critical thinking skills that are core skills across all disciplines
Teaches methods to help learners overcome common cognitive biases
Teaches learners to identify the credibility of sources and strength of arguments
Designed for a wide range of learning styles and preferences through its incorporation of multimodal materials

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering Critical Thinking with these activities:
Review critical thinking concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic critical thinking concepts to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Critical Thinking
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  • Review notes or textbooks from previous courses on critical thinking.
  • Take practice quizzes or exercises to test your understanding.
Read 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman
Gain insights into cognitive biases and the psychology of decision-making to enhance your critical thinking abilities.
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  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Reflect on the lessons learned and apply them to your own thinking and decision-making.
Identify and overcome cognitive biases
Practice identifying and overcoming cognitive biases to improve your critical thinking and decision-making skills.
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  • Read articles or watch videos about common cognitive biases.
  • Complete exercises or simulations that challenge you to identify biases in real-world scenarios.
Five other activities
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Engage in group discussions on critical thinking
Engage with peers to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and deepen your understanding of critical thinking principles.
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  • Join or start a study group or online discussion forum.
  • Participate actively in discussions, posing questions, sharing insights, and providing constructive feedback to others.
Develop a critical thinking assessment
Apply your critical thinking skills to create an assessment that challenges others to think critically.
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  • Identify a specific critical thinking skill or problem to assess.
  • Design an assessment that requires the application of multiple critical thinking components.
  • Test the assessment and revise it based on feedback.
Explore advanced critical thinking techniques
Expand your critical thinking toolkit by learning advanced techniques for analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information.
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  • Search for online tutorials or courses on advanced critical thinking topics.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises or assignments provided.
Volunteer as a critical thinking mentor
Solidify your critical thinking skills by guiding and supporting others in their development.
Browse courses on Critical Thinking
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  • Identify organizations or programs that offer critical thinking mentoring opportunities.
  • Apply to become a mentor and complete any required training.
  • Meet with mentees regularly to provide guidance and support on critical thinking challenges.
Develop a critical thinking workshop
Synthesize your critical thinking knowledge and skills to create and deliver a workshop that empowers others to think critically.
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  • Define the learning objectives and target audience for the workshop.
  • Develop a comprehensive workshop outline and materials.
  • Practice delivering the workshop and gather feedback for improvement.
  • Deliver the workshop to a live audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering Critical Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They use critical thinking skills to analyze business problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can help Management Consultants develop the critical thinking skills they need to solve complex business problems and make effective recommendations.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers use critical thinking skills to help customers achieve their goals. They work with customers to identify their needs and develop solutions. This course can help Customer Success Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to build strong relationships with customers and help them achieve success.
Product Manager
Product Managers use critical thinking skills to develop and manage products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to create products that meet the needs of users. This course can help Product Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create successful products.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use critical thinking skills to collect, clean, and analyze data. They use this data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help Data Analysts develop the critical thinking skills they need to extract meaningful insights from data.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use critical thinking skills to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement solutions. This course can help Business Analysts develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage effective business solutions.
Project Manager
Project Managers use critical thinking skills to plan and execute projects. They work with teams to manage resources and achieve project goals. This course can help Project Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage successful projects.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts make recommendations on stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. They use critical thinking skills to analyze financial data, make investment recommendations, and evaluate the risk and return of different investments. This course can help Financial Analysts develop the critical thinking skills they need to make sound investment decisions.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts use critical thinking skills to analyze and design computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course can help Systems Analysts develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage effective computer systems.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers use critical thinking skills to develop and implement marketing campaigns. They use these campaigns to reach target audiences and promote products or services. This course can help Marketing Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create effective marketing campaigns.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers use critical thinking skills to develop and implement sales strategies. They use these strategies to reach target customers and close deals. This course can help Sales Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create effective sales strategies.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers use critical thinking skills to design, develop, and test software systems. They use these systems to solve problems and meet the needs of users. This course can help Software Engineers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create innovative and effective software solutions.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers use critical thinking skills to plan and execute business operations. They work with teams to improve efficiency and productivity. This course can help Operations Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage effective operations.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers use critical thinking skills to manage the human resources function of an organization. They work with employees to develop and implement HR policies and programs. This course can help Human Resources Managers develop the critical thinking skills they need to create a positive and productive work environment.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators use critical thinking skills to manage and maintain databases. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course can help Database Administrators develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage effective databases.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators use critical thinking skills to manage and maintain computer networks. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course may help Network Administrators develop the critical thinking skills they need to create and manage effective computer networks.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering Critical Thinking.
This widely-used book introduces the six core components of critical thinking described in the course: observing, understanding, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating. It also provides guidance on developing intellectual traits such as intellectual humility, intellectual empathy, and intellectual perseverance.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, including problem-solving, decision-making, and argumentation. It would be a good resource for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of critical thinking.
Celebrates the strengths of introverts and provides advice on how to thrive in a world.
Explores the power of vulnerability and provides tools for living a more courageous life.
Provides a controversial guide to escaping the 9-to-5 grind and living a more fulfilling life.

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