CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING
The term critical comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning discerning. Critical thinking will be to question, analyse and evaluate what we read, hear, say, or write. Critical thinking seeks to make reliable judgments through analysing and reflecting of reliable information. It is both a mindset and skills that contribute to sound decision-making and problem solving.
Students are required to think critically as a reflective practice within the SMU-X curriculum as they try to solve the project challenge. At different stages of a project, students will focus on:
Reasoning
- Think logically to make a claim
Identifying the information - Is the information relevant, accurate and unbiased?
Analysing the information to gain deeper understanding of the reasoning - Ask questions (5W1H)
Reflecting to avoid cognitive biases - Think about your thinking
Evaluating to make decisions - Making judgements based on the information available
At the end of a project and depending on the project requirement, students will produce a business proposal, working prototype, whitepaper or application substantiated by empirical evidence and sound analysis as well as justification as the best approach.
Why is this important?
Having just content knowledge is no longer enough in this VUCA world where the future of work has changed drastically brought on by the advancement in technology and changing demographics.
With the advancement in artificial intelligence, cognitive computing and automation, employers should equip workers with more than just technical skills. Skills such as creativity, leadership, and critical thinking might be more important than ever. Critical thinking skills are seen as necessary to enter the workforce (OECD, 2019). The Singapore Ministry of Education also states critical thinking as one of the emerging 21st century competencies necessary for the globalised world we live in. There will be a huge demand for higher cognitive skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Increasingly employees are tasks to solve complex challenges dealing with multi-faceted issues in diverse teams. Having the ability to think critically not only allows one to make sound decisions; it also allows one to be differentiated favourably for career opportunities.
Tips on how we can cultivate these knowledge and skills
Practice critical thinking (yes, you can be trained to think critically):
- Question everything, including existing social norms and traditions
- Think systematically, considering all aspects of a problem and looking at each element in its wider context
- Carefully examine ideas and information
- Look beyond what may appear as obvious
- Use evidence to support claims
- Use logic and reason in your arguments
- Avoid making assumptions
- Recognise (and avoid) logical fallacies
- Strive to be aware of own cognitive biases
- Consider different perspectives
Steps to problem solving:
- Define the problem
- Generate various ideas and perspectives to solve the challenge
- Evaluate these ideas and select the most efficient and effective option
- Implement the solution in a timely manner
- Assess the solution and use it as a learning reference for the future