Coursera

Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional (Coursera)

Offered by University of California, Davis,

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.

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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!
What You Will Learn

Apply critical thinking skills to complex problems.
Apply a model for solving problems and pose questions to further understanding of specific problems.

Course 2 of 4 in the Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Getting Started and Introduction to Problem Solving
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.

WEEK 2
Brainstorming and Analyzing Options
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.

WEEK 3
Recommending and Engaging Feedback
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.

Go to Class

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