Introduction to problem solving and critical thinking

Critical thinking is the objective evaluation of a subject to make informed rational decisions.

As university undergraduates who will shortly enter the corporate world, we are excepted to be critical thinkers and skilled problem solvers. It is important to integrate beyond a specific discipline and address general problems.

According to SLASSCOM problem solving is among the top ten skills employers expect from graduates. Problem-solving is a competency that has employability skill gaps.

As critical thinking is one of the most sought-after skills in an employee, there’s a question of whether critical thinking can be taught. Generalists argue that only a handful of fundamental skills are crucial for critical thinking and those skills can be taught while Specifists argue that critical thinking is often contextual and closely connected to a particular issue.

Given below is a model to generate critical thinking.

Bloom’s taxonomy represents higher-order thinking skills and lower-order thinking skills in a pyramid. Remembering, understanding and applying are lower-order skills while analyzing, evaluating and creating are higher-order thinking skills. Among these critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating, which are higher-order thinking skills.

Critical thinkers always question beyond the apparent. This will eventually make them less vulnerable to manipulation and errors.

Section 1

What is the area you chose to improve your active listening?

• ·         Curiosity  - From in-class discussion sessions I learned that I need to ask more in-depth questions.

What is one way that you will adopt a more curious approach to a problem you are facing in your workplace?

• ·         Asking for more information regarding the problem.

What question did you ask yourself and answer about a specific task or project to reflect on?

•  Question - Did I express myself well in certain situations when it was necessary to do so?
• Answer -  Yes, to a certain extent. 

What list did you come up with of ways to adapt and better prepare for change(s)?

• ·         Practice critical thinking.
• ·         Predict possible outcomes of current events.