critical thinking in online classes

16 Best Free Online Critical Thinking Courses

Written by Argumentful

Critical thinking is one of the most fundamental skills you could focus on. In fact, these skills are so important that many educational institutions have listed them among their central goals. Critical thinking helps you sort the true from the false.

The bad news is that not many people own these skills. Einstein famously said:

“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”

The good news though is that you can improve your thinking and you can do it without breaking the bank.

Below are listed 16 of the best free online critical thinking courses with details regarding their contents.

Go on, choose your preferred course and take action today! (You can thank me later😉!)

P.S. Apart from the general critical thinking courses, I’ve included 5 specific ones which focus on today’s burning issues- fake news and climate change , as well as correctly interpreting randomized clinical trials and screening trials. See numbers 12 to 16 below.

Jump to Section

Critical reasoning for beginners, critical thinking classes at fayetteville state university, logical and critical thinking, critical thinking: fundamentals of good reasoning, philosophy and critical thinking, critical thinking & problem solving, introduction to critical thinking and logic, teaching critical thinking through art with the national gallery of art.

• Critical thinking: Reasoned Decision Making

The Science of Everyday Thinking

Critical thinking at university: an introduction, making sense of news, sorting truth from fiction: civic online reasoning, making sense of climate science denial, thinking critically: interpreting randomized clinical trials, thinking critically series: interpreting screening trials.

Offered by : University of Oxford

Description :

4 hours, 6 modules

1: The Nature of Arguments

How to recognise arguments and what the nature of an argument is

2: Different Types of Arguments

Different types of arguments, in particular deductive and inductive arguments

3: Setting Out Arguments Logic Book Style

How to identify and analyse arguments, and how to set arguments out logic book-style to make them easier to evaluate

4: What is a  Good Argument? Validity and Truth

How to evaluate arguments and how to tell whether an argument is good or bad, focusing specifically on inductive arguments

5: Evaluating Arguments Part One

Evaluation of arguments – this time deductive arguments – focusing in particular on the notion of validity

6: Evaluating Arguments Part Two

Fallacies: bad arguments that can easily be mistaken for good arguments

Also available on YouTube and iTunes

Offered by : Fayetteville State University

24 videos, 24 hours

Lectures from Spring 2011 Critical Thinking classes at Fayetteville State University held by Gregory B. Sadler. The textbook used was Moore And Parker’s Critical Thinking 9th edition .

• Issues, claims, arguments
• Arguments and non-arguments
• Value Judgments
• Complex arguments, unstated premises
• Deductive and inductive arguments with implicit premises
• Deductive and inductive arguments
• Information sources
• Experts and appeal to authority
• Critical thinking and advertising
• Rhetorical devices

Offered by : University Of Auckland

8 Weeks of study, 4 hours weekly

• Identify common flaws in belief construction
• Recognise and reconstruct arguments
• Evaluate arguments as being good or bad
• Analyse arguments using basic logical tools
• Apply basic logical strategies in areas such as science, moral theories and law

Offered by : IsraelX

9 weeks, 4-6 hours per week

You can create a free account on edx.org and have access to the course for 2 months. After 2 months, you can pay £37 to get unlimited access to the course.

The objective of the course is to improve the student’s ability in the basic skills of critical thinking:

• how to recognize arguments,
• how to interpret them,
• how to evaluate them,
• how to construct them.

Lesson 1. What’s “Critical Thinking?” Lesson 2. What are Arguments Made Of? Lesson 3. From Premises to Conclusions Lesson 4. Recognizing Arguments: Introduction Lesson 5. Argument vs. The Text Containing It Lesson 6. Recognizing Conclusions Lesson 7. Arguments vs. Explanations Lesson 8. Argument Diagrams: Introduction Lesson 9. More about Argument Diagrams Lesson 10. Argument Diagrams: Examples Lesson 11. Hedges Lesson 12. Disclaimers Lesson 13. Examples Lesson 14. Rhetorical Language Lesson 15. Referential Attribution Lesson 16. Principles of Interpretation Lesson 17. Implicit Premises Lesson 18. What’s a Good Argument? Lesson 19. More Virtues of Arguments Lesson 20. Argument Ad Hominem Lesson 21. Argument Ad Verecundiam Lesson 22. Argument Ad Populum Lesson 23. Argument Ad Ignorantiam Lesson 24. Argument Ad Baculum and Ad Misericordiam Lesson 25. Venn Diagrams Lesson 26. Beyond Venn Lesson 27. Modus Ponens Lesson 28. Modus Tollens Lesson 29. Conditionals Lesson 30. Reductio Ad Absurdum Lesson 31. Process of Elimination Lesson 32. Separation of Cases Lesson 33. Truth Trees: An Example Lesson 34. How to Grow Truth Trees Lesson 35. Truth Trees: Another Example Lesson 36. Reflexive Relations Lesson 37. Symmetric Relations Lesson 38. Transitive Relations Lesson 39. Inductive Generalization Lesson 40. What’s a Good Sample? Lesson 41. The New Riddle of Induction Lesson 42. From Induction to Causation Lesson 43. Evaluating Causal Generalizations Lesson 44. Argument from Analogy: Basics Lesson 45. Argument from Analogy: Examples Lesson 46. Who Needs Analogues? Lesson 47. Inference to the Best Explanation Lesson 48. Experimentation Lesson 49. Building an Argument Lesson 50. Writing Up an Argument

Offered by : The University of Queensland

6 weeks, 1-4 hours per week

• How to think with clarity and rigour
• How to identify, analyse and construct cogent arguments
• How to think of solutions to the central problems of philosophy
• How to engage in philosophical conversations with others about topics that matter

Offered by : Rochester Institute of Technology

3 weeks, 4-6 hours per week

• How to perform strategic analysis and assessment
• How to perceive and assess a critical need and design a tailored solution
• How to identify key stakeholders and ensure their needs are met
• How to employ adaptive problem-solving
• How to work through obstacles collaboratively
• How to analyse failure to improve future performance

Offered by : Saylor.org Academy

This course will introduce you to critical thinking, informal logic, and a small amount of formal logic. Its purpose is to provide you with the basic tools of analytical reasoning, which will give you a distinctive edge in a wide variety of careers and courses of study. While many university courses focus on the presentation of content knowledge, the emphasis here is on learning how to think effectively. Although the techniques and concepts covered here are classified as philosophical, they are essential to the practice of nearly every major discipline, from the physical sciences and medicine to politics, law, and the humanities.

• Unit 1: Introduction and Meaning Analysis
• Unit 2: Argument Analysis
• Unit 3: Basic Sentential Logic
• Unit 4: Venn Diagrams
• Unit 5: Fallacies
• Unit 6: Scientific Reasoning
• Unit 7: Strategic Reasoning and Creativity

Offered by : Smithsonian Institution

16 weeks, 3-4 hours per week

• How to use Artful Thinking Routines to strengthen thinking.
• How to facilitate meaningful conversations in your classroom using art for artful learning and artful teaching.
• How to help learners of all levels develop more discerning descriptions, evidence-based reasoning, and meaningful questioning habits.
• Key strategies for using content information to push original thinking deeper.
• Exciting, immersive activities for any type of classroom.
• How to use online teaching resources from the National Gallery of Art, including downloadable Artful Thinking lesson plans
• Unit 0: Welcome (2 hours)
• Unit 1: Diving into Thinking Routines (3-4 hours)
• Unit 2: Observing and Describing (3-4 hours)
• Unit 3: Reasoning with Evidence (3-4 hours)
• Unit 4: Questioning and Investigating (3-4 hours)

Critical thinking: reasoned decision making

Offered by : Tecnológico de Monterrey

4 weeks, 5-8 hours per week

• Identify the theories that support critical thinking
• Employ a methodology for the application of critical thinking
• Relate the elements that make up the stages of critical thinking
• Analyse the standards of critical thinking practice
• Assess the responsibility of perpetuating the intellectual values of the resolution analysis
• Distinguish the vices of thought in decision making
• Apply critical thinking to groups

1. Thinking according to our times

1.1 Why critical thinking?

1.2 The exciting world of thinking and criticism

2. Evaluating our modes of thought

2.1 Intellectual values of a good thinker

2.2 Evaluating our critical thinking skills. Avoiding vices and biased thinking

3. Elements and standards of critical thinking

3.1 Elements of a critical thinking process

3.2 Standards to apply to our thinking modes

4. Articulating our decisions making process

4.1 The logic of our decisions and the behaviour derived from them

4.2 How to improve our critical thinking skills and become a fair-minded thinker

12 weeks, 2-3 hours per week

The course explores the psychology of our everyday thinking: why people believe weird things, how we form and change our opinions, why our expectations skew our judgments, and how we can make better decisions. We’ll discuss and debate topics such as placebos, the paranormal, medicine, miracles, and more.

You will use the scientific method to evaluate claims, make sense of evidence, and understand why we so often make irrational choices. You will begin to rely on slow, effortful, deliberative, analytic, and logical thinking rather than fast, automatic, instinctive, emotional, and stereotypical thinking.

• tools for how to think independently, how to be skeptical, and how to value data over personal experience.
• examining the mental shortcuts that people use and misuse, and apply this knowledge to help make better decisions, and improve critical thinking.

Offered by : University of Leeds

2 weeks, 4 hours weekly

• What is critical thinking?
• A model for critical thinking
• Why is critical thinking important at university?
• Challenges to thinking critically at university
• How can you improve your critical thinking?
• How will critical thinking help you at university?

Offered by : University of Hong Kong

4 weeks, 2-3 hours per week

This course will help you identify reliable information in news reports and become better informed about the world we live in. A discussion on journalism from the viewpoint of the news audience.

• What makes news? The blurred lines between news, promotion and entertainment.
• Why does news matter? Social sharing and the dynamics of the news cycles.
• Who provides information? How to evaluate sources in news reports.
• Where is the evidence? The process of verification.
• When should we act? Recognizing our own biases.
• How do we know what we know? Becoming an active news audience.

You’ll learn to:

• Distinguish news from opinion; media bias from audience bias; assertion from verification
• Apply critical thinking skills to examine the validity of information
• Contextualize the knowledge gained from news report
• Respond quickly to daily news events and make an informed decision

Offered by : Massachusetts Institute of Technology

9 weeks, 2-4 hours per week

Course aimed at fighting fake news and misinformation

Educators—from teachers to librarians—will learn about:

• New knowledge that can be applied in your lessons and resources for your own students.
• How to shift from ineffective information literacy practices towards the kinds of strategies employed by professional fact-checkers.

Unit 1: Search Like a Fact Checker

Unit 2: The Two Big Fact Checker Moves: Lateral Reading & Click Restraint

Unit 3: Evaluating Different Types of Evidence

Unit 4: Adapting Civic Online Reasoning

7 weeks, 2-4 hours per week

WEEK 1: Understanding The Climate Controversy During the first week of the course, we introduce the course content, interact with each other and complete an introductory survey. The week continues with an exploration of political consensus, the drivers and psychology of climate science denial and an overview of the controversy surrounding this topic.

WEEK 2: Global Warming Is Happening In week two, we will look at the indicators of global warming and myths related to temperature and glaciers.

WEEK 3: We Are Causing Global Warming Week three focuses on the ways in which humans cause climate change and the myths associated with the greenhouse effect and the rise in carbon dioxide.

WEEK 4: The Past Tells Us About The Future This week looks at the history of climate change in order to model future climate change. We also address myths related to models.

WEEK 5: We Are Feeling The Impacts Of Climate Change Week five covers climate feedbacks and the impacts of climate change on the environment, society and the weather.

WEEK 6 and 7: Responding to Denial The final weeks of the course look more closely at the psychology of science denial and debunking techniques. We also complete a peer assessment that asks students to practice debunking strategies on real myths that can be found in today’s media.

Approach: mini-lectures, video interviews, quizzes, activities, a peer assessed writing assignment, and readings.

Offered by : Stanford University

1 week, 2-3 hours

This course seeks to fulfil the clinical community’s need to improve skills in the critical evaluation of clinical research papers. Competency in critical appraisal skills can have a significant impact by improving clinical practice, quality of research projects, and peer-review of manuscripts and grants. The course will utilize efficient and engaging videos with relevant clinical examples to cover essential research methodology principles.

• Analyse the concepts of randomization and blinding in reducing bias.
• Develop strategies to critically appraise randomized clinical trials and determine if study results are valid.
• Analyse the key design features of screening studies.
• Develop strategies to critically appraise screening studies and determine if study results are valid.

You May Also Like…

The Importance of Critical Thinking when Using ChatGPT (and Other Large Language Models)

Artificial intelligence has made tremendous strides in recent years, allowing for the creation of conversational AI...

How to Critically Evaluate News and Media Sources

I think we all agree that access to information has never been easier. With the click of a button, we can access an...

Critical Thinking in the Workplace

Imagine that you're in a job interview and the interviewer asks you to describe a time when you had to solve a complex...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Go back to school with Sophia with 25% off your first month.

Use code BTS2024 by 9/16.

The discount provides 25% off the first month. After the first month, you will be charged our normal $99 per month membership subscription fee, unless canceled. 

• Critical Thinking
• All courses
• Humanities courses

Critical Thinking reviews

In this class, students will learn how to think more critically by questioning assumptions and biases and being aware of fallacies. Students will learn to interpret and write deductive and inductive arguments and apply to real-life situations.

13450 students successfully completed

43 partners accept credit transfer.* See Partners

3.0 semester credits

Recommended for credit to the ACE® and DEAC college and university networks.

Download Syllabus

Fill in the form to recieve a syllabus for your course..

By providing your information, you consent to receive occasional special promotional offers and education opportunities by email from Sophia Learning or one of its affiliates.

Learning outcomes

Partners who accept this course.

This course transfers into a degree program at these featured institutions

Assignments & grading

This is a pass/fail course. Students are required to complete all 13 Challenges (formative assessments), 4 Milestones (summative assessments), and 1 Touchstone (project-based or written assessments) with an overall score of 70% or better.

• No credit card required!
• Sophia membership starts with a risk-free trial

* All fields are required.

Inside the Sophia courseroom

Knock out your general education requirements on your terms. Sophia courses are available anytime, anywhere, and most can be accessed from any device.

A revolutionary way to satisfy general education requirements for your degree. On demand. ACE ®-recommended. Low cost.

Sophia's Learning Coaches are here for you by phone, email or online chat from the start of your course to ordering your final transcript.

How many courses can I take with the free trial?

Access the course content through the first Challenge of any of Sophia’s 50+ courses.

How do I confirm transfer credit with my school?

Check Sophia’s list of partner schools to see if your school is on the list. If not, contact your registrar to learn about your school’s transfer credit policy and if Sophia coursework can be submitted for transfer.

Can I take courses for credit if I’m not enrolled at a school?

Sophia course completions do not expire and will be available to submit for transfer when you’re ready. At that time, check with your school’s registrar for their credit transfer policies.

What happens to the coursework I’ve already completed once I become a Sophia member?

If you’ve completed the first Challenge during your free trial, you can pick up right where you left off after you become a Sophia member.

What happens to my coursework if I cancel my Sophia membership?

Don’t worry. Your completed courses won’t disappear if you cancel your membership. Those courses will be there for you when you’re ready to submit for transfer.

Will my HR benefits cover the cost of Sophia?

If you have an education benefit through your employer, it may cover your subscription to Sophia. Check with your benefits administrator to find out if you qualify.

• Higher education partnerships
• Corporate partnerships
• Social impact partnerships
• Privacy policy
• Cookie policy
• Terms of use

How To Think Clearly With The Top 11 Best Online Critical Thinking Courses & Classes [Free Guide]

Looking for a game-changer in the way you think about the world around you? Well, you’re exactly where you need to be to get started!

In this guide, I cover some of the best online critical thinking courses for developing your skills. With courses ranging from under an hour in length to 16-week programs, there’s something for everyone.  

Also, all of these online courses will equip you with the tools and techniques you need to become a great critical thinker, so let’s get into them!

Table of Contents

Top 11 Best Online Critical Thinking Courses & Classes 2024

1.  how to think differently & critically (skillshare).

In 7 easy steps, this online critical thinking course, for beginners and advanced thinkers alike, will help you see the world differently by examining different perspectives and using logic and critical reasoning to expand your mind. 

Troye Bates is your instructor for this course online class, who writes a popular online blog on brain-training, and began teaching several years ago, sparked by his passion for enhancing our mental capabilities.

Through the 7-step process, students learn how to become a mental master of critical thinking, logic, and reasoning, strategy, abundance, big-picture thinking, reflecting before they act, and tons more!

Global online learning platform Skillshare is where you will find this online course.   There are over 29,000 other courses available on the platform and you even get a 1-month free trial!   Overall, this is one of the best critical thinking classes you can find online!

• 10 video lessons
• 1 hour and 26 minutes of content
• 271 students have taken the course
• Suited to all levels

Activate FREE Skillshare Trial

2.  Critical Thinking: How to Find Out What Really Works (Skillshare)

Keen to level-up your critical thinking skills at work, school, or in day-to-day life? Critical thinking is an essential life skill, and this online course teaches you key strategies to make better life decisions.  

Andre Klapper , Ph.D., is your teacher, who is a researcher, psychologist, and neuroscientist with decades of experience in working with the mind and understanding cognitive processes. This is also 1 of 9 courses Andre currently has on Skillshare.

Spread across 14 lessons over 1-hour, students will learn the reasoning fallacy, everyday examples, how to eliminate alternative explanations, how to rule out coincidences, how to draw conclusions efficiently, the scientific thinking blueprint, and tons more!

Currently, you can find this online course hosted on the global online learning platform, Skillshare. There are over 29,000 other courses available on the platform, plus you get a 1-month free trial as a new user! Overall, this is a great introductory class to enroll in.

• 14 video lessons
• 1 hour and 11 minutes
• 211 students have taken the course
• Suited to beginners

3.  Welcome to critical thinking (LinkedIn Learning)

Learn how to make more thoughtful and effective decisions in every area of your life with this online critical-thinking course designed to challenge and expand your current level of thinking.   Clocking in at an hour, this introductory critical thinking course is just the right length to get some learning in on your commute or while out for a run!

Leading this online course is   Mike Figliuolo , the Managing Director of Thought LEADERS LLC, and an author at LinkedIn Learning. Mike is also a nationally renowned speaker, blogger, author, and teacher.

Throughout the course’s one-hour running time, students explore a series of techniques to assist with developing critical thinking skills by sharing how to redefine problems and use specific strategies such as the ‘5 Whys’, the ‘7 So Whats’, and the 80/20 rule.

You can find this online critical thinking course hosted on LinkedIn Learning, offering over 150,000 courses on a range of topics, all available to students worldwide! The expert teaching and quality content make this a not-to-miss online course!

• Approx. 1 hour of content
• Downloadable on Apple and GooglePlay for offline learning
• 312,745 people have viewed the course

Visit LinkedIn.con

4.  Critical Thinking In The Workplace (Skillshare)

Next up on my list is a critical-thinking course designed specifically for the workplace. Whether you’re looking to enhance your own skills, or you’re a manager or CEO aiming to increase staff productivity,   this short 50-minute course is highly recommended.

Katie Hall is your instructor, a representative of Talent Zoom, which is a company that helps businesses identify their unique workplace talents. Katie also has 3 courses on Skillshare and is dedicated to helping people succeed in their professional lives.

Some of the many topics covered in this online critical thinking course include the foundations of critical thinking, as well as understanding left, right, whole-brain thinking, consistency of ideas, building an explanation, active listening, and tons more!

For those interested, this online course is hosted on the global online learning platform, Skillshare. There are over 29,000 other courses available on the platform, plus a 1-month free trial! Overall, this is one of the best online critical thinking classes out there!

• 50 minutes of content
• 429 students have taken the course
• 2 downloadable resources

5.  Critical Thinking for Better Judgment and Decision-Making (Skillshare)

Did you know that having solid critical-thinking skills leads to better decision-making and a higher quality of life as a result? This online course empowers you to make the right decisions for your life by teaching you objective and rational analysis techniques to apply to any situation you might find yourself in.  

Taught by Becki Saltzman , this class is expertly led in short-format video lectures. Becki is an author, speaker, and founder of the Applied Curiosity Lab. She is focused on teaching skills to companies to improve their operations, and how their teams innovate, tackle challenges, and respond to change.

Each module of this critical thinking course covers topics such as the foundational aspect of critical thinking, how to minimize bad judgment, improving vision quality, and creating a culture of curiosity.  

Hosted on LinkedIn Learning, you can access this course and then choose from more than 150,000 others taught by industry experts once you’ve completed it! Definitely a recommended short class that you can access from anywhere.

• Approx. 55 minutes of content
• 78,641 people have viewed the course
• Suited to advanced level

6.  Master Cognitive Biases and Improve Your Critical Thinking (Udemy)

My next standout pick is an online critical-thinking course to fast-track your mental upgrade. Master your understanding of cognitive biases and learn the most effective strategies to improve the quality of your thinking in just under 2.5 hours!

Kevin DeLaplante Ph.D. is your course instructor, who is a philosopher and the founder of the Critical Thinker Academy. Kevin has taught more than 62,000 students in his 4 online courses on Udemy and works with groups, universities, and in 1-1 coaching for improving critical thinking.

In over 50 von-demand video lectures, students are guided through an explanation of cognitive bias is and how it relates to critical thinking. Lessons include confirmation bias, pattern-seeking, hindsight bias, and the anchoring effect, ending with some helpful strategies for debasing ideas.

Udemy is where you can access this critical thinking course, a great online course platform that offers its students over 150,000 on-demand online courses from beginner to advanced level!

• 50 video lectures
• 2 hours and 26 minutes of content
• Lifetime access
• Certificate of Completion
• 4.4/5 from 4,812 ratings
• 13,803 students have taken the course

Visit Udemy.com

7.  Teaching Critical Thinking through Art with the National Gallery of Art (edX)

Are you an artist or an art enthusiast? Next up is a specialist online course examining critical thinking through an artistic lens.   You’ll learn how to strengthen your thinking and facilitate meaningful conversations by applying artistic critical-thinking techniques.

As for your instructor, this online critical thinking course is offered by The Smithsonian Institute with Julie Carmean , the Museum Educator and Coordinator of Professional Development at The National Gallery of Art in Washington, United States, as your leading you.

Through 4 content units, which will take up to 20 hours to complete via self-paced learning, students investigate thinking routines, observing and describing tactics, reasoning with evidence, and questioning and investigating, receiving downloadable artful thinking lesson plans as a bonus!

You can find this online critical thinking course can be found on the nonprofit education platform edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, and offering courses form the leading worldwide universities to more than 20 million students! This particular course is one of the best online critical thinking classes I’ve found.

• 18,073 students have enrolled
• Takes 16 weeks to complete
• 3-4 hours a week of work
• Great for all levels

Visit edX.org

8.  Master your Decision-Making, and Critical Thinking Skills (Udemy)

Are you looking for a comprehensive online course to improve your decision-making? You can work towards mastering good decision-making in this 4-hour online critical-thinking course that comes highly recommended with a 4.4/5 rating!  

Your course instructor is Sivakami S , an experienced business leader and research/doctoral scholar who has taught over 20,000 students in his 12 online courses on Udemy. With nearly 2 decades of experience, she has led many initiatives in large corporations such as Verizon and Microsoft.

Spanning 45 video lectures presented in just over 4 hours, students learn how humans think, judge, and decide key cognitive biases, irrationality versus rationality, de-biasing techniques, logical fallacies, and so much more.  

Head to Udemy to check this course out, a global online learning platform that offers more than 150,000 on-demand courses on a whole range of topics no matter your level! Overall, this online course is a great deep-dive into critical-thinking!.

• 45 video lectures
• 4 hours and 3 minutes of content
• 4.4/5 from 1,183 ratings
• 5,129 students have taken the course
• 15 downloadable resources

9. Philosophy and Critical Thinking (edX)

Another online critical thinking course that I’m excited to show you is a totally free, university-led offering for anyone who wants to improve their critical thinking skills. Over a period of 6 weeks, students learn how to use philosophical inquiry to improve your personal and professional decision-making.  

Two instructors share the teaching of this online course, Professor Deborah Brown and Dr. Peter Ellerton , both lecturers and Directors of the University of Queensland Critical Thinking Project who  

Students are led through critical thinking content that teaches them how to identify, analyze, and construct cogent arguments, and how to think of solutions to the central philosophical problems. There is also an option to add a verified certificate for an extra fee, for students looking for this proof of completion of the course.

edX hosts this online critical thinking course,   offering more than 20 million students incredible access to online courses at leading universities across the globe. Plus, as a nonprofit, it’s totally free! Overall, a high-quality course for anyone wanting to develop critical thinking.  

• 95,967 students have enrolled
• 6 weeks long
• 1-4 hours of work per week

10.  Critical Thinking (Udemy)

If you’re keen to study an online critical thinking course that’s both broad and detailed, this could be the one for you! In just 3 hours, you’ll have a greater grasp of logic and reasoning to apply to every area of your life.

Presented by Joss Colchester of Systems Innovation , an eLearning platform that is focused on complex systems and system change, this course is an entry into this subject. This course is led in an accessible way, making complex ideas feel easy to understand.

Joss takes students through course content covering cognition, including evolutionary psychology, as well as informal and formal logic examples and explanations, the different types of reasoning, the elements of reasoning, and argumentation rules and strategies.

One of the best online critical thinking courses around, you can find it on Udemy, which offers its students over 150,000 on-demand online courses on critical thinking and more, from beginner to advanced level!

• 21 video lectures
• 3 hours and 5 minutes of content
• 4.3/5 from 118 ratings
• 427 students have taken the course

11. Introduction to Critical Thinking (Udemy)

If you’re a critical-thinking newbie looking to get your decision-making off to a good start, this is a brilliant beginner’s course to help you process information and make thoughtful decisions.  

Teaching duo Gorden Bonne t and Carol Bloomgarden are your instructors. Golden is the author of the blog Skeptophilio, which looks at science and media through a skeptical lens. He is also a novelist and teacher of critical thinking, and various other science topics. Carol is Gorden’s wife, and she is responsible for the video production and graphic design at Skeptophilia. They both lead this course with patience and passion.

Throughout 39 on-demand video lectures, students will explore the fundamentals of critical thinking, skepticism, learn how to recognize fallacies in the media, identify questionable statistics, construct arguments, and know when scientific terms are not being used correctly.

Udemy is where you will find this critical thinking hosted, a great online course platform which offers its students over 150,000 on-demand online courses from beginner to advanced level!

Udemy was founded in 2010 and has risen to the forefront of online learning in just a decade, to become the leader in skill-based and professional online education. To learn more, also check out my other posts on NLP and CBT !

• 39 video lectures
• 1 hour and 19 minutes of content
• Course: Introduction to Critical Thinking
• 4.5/5 from 34 ratings
• 46 students have taken the course

My name is Lewis Keegan and I am the writer and editor of SkillScouter.com. I'm extremely passionate about online education and what it can do for those to better their lives. I spend most of my time blogging, hiking, and drinking coffee. I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Teaching.

100 Most Popular Courses For September

Harvard and MIT’s $800 Million Mistake: The Triple Failure of 2U, edX, and Axim Collaborative

The future of Coursera’s only credible alternative for universities rests in the hands of 2U’s creditors.

• 10 Best Data Science Courses for 2024
• 7 Best Free OCaml Courses for 2024
• 6 Best Free Ecology Courses for 2024
• [2024] Massive List of Thousands of Free Certificates and Badges
• Learn Something New: 100 Most Popular Courses For September

600 Free Google Certifications

Most common

• machine learning

Popular subjects

Cybersecurity

Microsoft Excel

Artificial Intelligence

Popular courses

Perdón y reconciliación: cómo sanar heridas

Responsive Web Design

Ableton Live Course: Sound Production for Musicians and Artists

Organize and share your learning with Class Central Lists.

View our Lists Showcase

Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A Beginner’s Guide to Critical and Creative Thinking

New Scientist via FutureLearn Help

This course may be unavailable.

Develop your creative and critical thinking skills with New Scientist

Critical thinking and creativity are key skills needed to improve decision-making, whether in a personal context or in the workplace.

This three-week course will help sharpen your ability to analyse information and increase your capacity to problem solve creatively.

Learn from experts in cognitive science and creative problem solving

Guided by Dr Denise Cummins, Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, and Professor Gerard Puccio from Buffalo State, you’ll explore various models of thinking in different contexts.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to approach problems more logically, rationally, scientifically, and creatively.

Refine your decision-making process using logical and rational thinking

There are a variety of cognitive biases that can hinder decision-making.

On this course, you’ll examine them in detail, as well as learning to recognise red herrings, false dichotomies, ad hominem attacks, and motivated reasoning.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to spot flaws and fallacies in others’ arguments and avoid biases in your own thinking. This will strengthen your own arguments and help justify your decisions.

Explore critical and creative problem solving techniques

By strengthening both your analytical reasoning and your creative thinking, you’ll have the tools necessary to solve problems in any situation.

You’ll bring together your critical and creative thinking skills to analyse the differences between convergent and divergent thinking and apply them appropriately.

By the end of this course, you’ll have learned key models of creative and critical thinking, as well as the factors that can impact decisions. Having learned how to combine creative and critical thinking, you’ll be able to supercharge brainstorming sessions and problem solving tasks.

This course is designed for learners at all levels with an interest in evaluating information and increasing their capacity for creative thinking.

It is particularly useful for professionals who want to improve their problem solving and decision-making in the workplace.

• Introducing critical and creative thinking
• Welcome to the course
• Why critical and creative thinking matters
• Three pillars of critical thinking
• Critical thinking: How to think logically
• Bringing it all together
• Critical thinking: How to think rationally and scientifically
• Critical thinking: How to think rationally
• Critical Thinking: How to think scientifically
• How to think creatively
• Developing our innate creativity
• Cognitive rigidity and the creative cliff illusion
• Strategies for creative thinking
• Creative Problem Solving: The Thinking Skills Model

Finola Lang

Related Courses

Superthinker | a way to better thinking, master your decision making and critical thinking skills , solving problems with creative and critical thinking, your deceptive mind: a scientific guide to critical thinking skills, master cognitive biases and improve your critical thinking, critical thinking & problem solving brilliance, related articles, learn the visual arts from professionals who’ve worked at disney, pixar, blizzard and more, massive list of mooc-based microcredentials, 70+ futurelearn courses that still offer free certificates.

Select rating

Start your review of A Beginner’s Guide to Critical and Creative Thinking

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

• Inservice Information Request Form
• Certification Online Course
• The State of Critical Thinking Today
• Higher Education
• K-12 Instruction
• Customized Webinars and Online Courses for Faculty
• Business & Professional Groups
• The Center for Critical Thinking Community Online
• Certification in the Paul-Elder Approach to Critical Thinking
• Professional Development Model - College and University
• Professional Development Model for K-12
• Workshop Descriptions
• Online Courses in Critical Thinking
• Critical Thinking Training for Law Enforcement
• Consulting for Leaders and Key Personnel at Your Organization
• Critical Thinking Therapy

Translate this page from English...

*Machine translated pages not guaranteed for accuracy. Click Here for our professional translations.

Fall 2024 Online Courses

Courses Count Toward  Certification in Our Approach

Section Links . . .

Important Deadlines:

• Read Here

Course Offerings:

• CT700 - How to Infuse Critical Thinking Into Your Instruction

• CT800 - Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of You Learning and Your Life

• CT701 - How to Infuse Critical Thinking Into Instruction, Part II: Advanced Course

General Information:

• How the Courses Work

• Our Instructors

• Testimonials

Important Deadlines

August 19, 2024: Last day to drop with a full registration refund.

August 20, 2024: Instruction begins.

September 1, 2024: Last day to register .

October 15, 2024: Last day to drop with a prorated registration refund ($25 minimum refund deduction once the course begins).

December 10, 2024: Semester ends.

Course Offerings

Ct700 - how to infuse critical thinking into your instruction.

Registration Closed

This course  introduces a substantive conception of critical thinking and how to infuse this concept throughout your instruction. It fosters understanding of how to teach critical thinking skills to students through any subject or discipline, and at any level of instruction. In this course, you will be introduced to the elements of reasoning, universal intellectual standards, and intellectual traits through readings, discussions, and practical application activities. You will redesign lessons and strategies using the concepts and principles of critical thinking. You will practice strategies for Socratic discussions. You will help students learn to consciously use critical thinking concepts and strategies in learning, and in their lives. You will redesign and teach lessons you develop for your own classes - and receive course credit for doing so! 

As you apply your mind in this course, you can expect to:

• deepen your understanding of the foundations of critical thinking;

• develop skills and abilities in placing fairminded critical thinking at the heart of teaching and learning, including explicitly emphasizing the development of Intellectual Virtues among your students;
• design instruction that fosters explicit critical thinking throughout your course(s);
• help your students learn the tools they need for developing as ethical critical thinkers;
• come to understand the role that native pathologies of human thought play in impeding intellectual development;
• explicitly use the Elements of Reasoning and Intellectual Standards to create critical thinking lessons in your subject area(s);
• help students cultivate their ability to think within key concepts in your subject(s) and discipline(s); and
• create lessons and assessment processes that dovetail with fostering critical thinking at every moment of teaching and learning.

CT800 - Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life

Since few people realize the powerful role that thinking plays in their lives, few gain significant command of it. Most people are frequently victims of their thinking; that is, they are hurt  rather than helped   by it. Most people are their own worst enemies. Their thinking is a continual source of problems, preventing them from recognizing opportunities, keeping them from exerting energy where it will do the most good, poisoning relationships, and leading them down blind alleys.

This course will introduce you to the tools the best thinkers use and will exemplify the activities and practices you can use to begin emulating them. Here are some of the qualities of the best thinkers:

• The best thinkers think about their thinking.    They do not take thinking for granted. They do not trust to fate to make them good in thinking. They notice  their thinking. They reflect   on their thinking. They   act  upon their thinking. 
• The best thinkers are highly purposeful.    They do not simply act. They know why they act. They know what they are about. They have clear goals and clear priorities. They continually check their activities for alignment with their goals. 

• The best thinkers distinguish their thoughts from their feelings and desires.    They know that wanting something to be so does not make it so. They know that one can be unjustifiably angry, afraid, or insecure. They do not let unexamined emotions determine their decisions. They have “discovered” their minds, and they examine the way their minds operate as a result. They take deliberate charge of those operations.
• The best thinkers routinely take thinking apart.    They “analyze” thinking. They do not trust the mind to analyze itself automatically. They realize that analyzing thinking is an art one must consciously learn. They realize that it takes knowledge of the parts of thinking, and practice in exercising control over them.
• The best thinkers routinely evaluate thinking, determining its strengths and weaknesses.    They do not trust the mind to evaluate itself automatically. They realize that the automatic ways in which the mind evaluates itself are inherently flawed. They realize that evaluating thinking is an art one must consciously learn. They realize that it takes knowledge of the universal standards for thinking, and practice in exercising control over them. 

This course, as a whole, will introduce you to the tools of mind that will help you reason well through the problems and issues you face - whether in the classroom, in your personal life, or in your professional life. If you take these ideas seriously, and practice using them, you can take command of the thinking that ultimately will command the quality of your life. 

• understand what critical thinking is, how it differs from other forms of human thought, and its foundational principles and concepts;
• become explicitly aware of the barriers to critical thinking development (egocentricity and sociocentricity), as well as how to recognize and overcome their many manifestations in daily life;
• analyze thinking by breaking it down into its fundamental components (the Elements of Thought), and learn how those components work together in reasoning;

• develop Intellectual Virtues, or desirable traits of mind, through practice over time;
• formulate clear, important, relevant questions;
• differentiate between questions of fact, of preference, and of reasoned judgment, and understand the best approaches to take for each of those categories;
• read critically and writing substantively;
• recognize the problem of media bias and propaganda as barriers to critical thought in individuals and human societies;
• develop a clear framework for ethical reasoning and understand how it differs from other modes of thought, such as religious, ideological, political, and legal thinking;
• learn the importance of fairminded critical thinking in self-actualization and the cultivation of fairminded critical homes, workplaces, classrooms, and societies; and
• understand the stages of critical thinking development, as well as determine your current such stage and what is required to ascend to higher stages.

CT701 - How to Infuse Critical Thinking Into Instruction, Part II: Advanced Course

• Developing effective strategies for fostering fairminded critical thinking in instruction.
• Leading more advanced Socratic dialog.
• Deepening your understanding of the foundations of critical thinking. 

• Beginning to outline a Thinker's Guide to Critical Thinking within your field of study (showing proficiency in understanding the relationship between critical thinking and your field of study).
• Understanding more deeply the concepts of close reading and substantive writing, in order to better foster these understandings in student thought. 
• Placing the concept of fairminded critical thinking at the heart of teaching and learning, including an explicit emphasis on the development of Intellectual Virtues. 
• Understanding the roles played by native human pathologies of thought in impeding intellectual development. 
• Redesigning lessons with critical thinking at the heart of teaching and learning processes.
• Designing instructional assessment processes that dovetail with fostering critical thinking at every moment in teaching and learning. 

General Information

How the courses work, course format and platform, organization of the courses, live meetings, types of assignments, how to begin, how to submit assignments.

Assignments are submitted through the Center for Critical Thinking Community Online , either through the activities' 'Share' function or by posting to a private course forum.

Course Length

Weekly workload.

The assignments, if done well, will take an average of 3-4 hours per week for most participants.

If You Fall Behind

If cannot complete a module's assignments in time, please notify the instructor at your soonest availability. As long as you stay in communication, our instructors will accommodate your need for additional time as best they can.

Course Instructors

Each course is facilitated by an instructor educated in the Paul-Elder conception of critical thinking, under the direction of the Foundation's Senior Fellows. In recent years, some courses have been instructed by  Dr. Paul Bankes , while others have been instructed by Dr. Brian Barnes .

Our registration fee covers the cost of tuition and all course materials. This fee is $942.

Certificates of Completion

All course materials (reading, videos, etc.) are provided digitally online.

Withdrawing from a Course

Withdrawel notices must be submitted by email to [email protected] or [email protected] .

For refund information, please see the ' Important Deadlines ' section at the top of this page.

Our Instructors

Testimonials

• 'I told my boss this week during a faculty meeting that this has been the best [higher education] course I've ever taken.'
• 'The instruction and course content was phenomenal. . . . this course has added significant value to my life.'
• 'I have really enjoyed this course. . . meetings were engaging and very informative. I plan to attend additional offerings this academic year.'

• "I would like to express my deepest appreciation to you [Dr. Linda Elder] and Richard Paul. You both created a system for life guidance through your very arduous work on critical thinking. Thank you for adding the intellectual virtues to critical thinking. Critical thinking without the intellectual virtues is still narrow-minded thinking. Thanks to [instructor] Paul Bankes [CT700], we could get familiar with fairminded critical thinking this semester in the class. Since I have also attended a couple of courses in psychology, I could better understand what majestic guidance you have created to help us have better lives by improving our way of thinking. I just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for each second you have devoted in this way. I will try to internalize fairminded critical thinking in my life and help to develop this idea as much as I possibly can. I hope one day I can claim that I am from the community of Fairminded Critical Thinking."
• "I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for allowing me to complete the CT700 Course. It has been the most humbling and enlightening experience of my academic life. . . . I will now embark on my vision to make a difference in the South African Education System. Once, again, my gratitude goes out to you . . . "
• "CT700 was an excellent course that changed my thinking and life. It was painful at times and I found it took time for me to meaningfully complete the assignments. As I worked through the first few weeks, I also wondered if I would be able to change my thinking process. By the end of the course, I grew personally and professionally in ways that I wasn’t sure were possible."

Alison's New App is now available on iOS and Android! Download Now

Are you a business or organisation seeking to train and upskill your employees?

If yes, check out Alison’s Free LMS here!

header.all_certificate_courses

Personal development, sales & marketing, engineering & construction, teaching & academics.

Become an Alison Affiliate in one click, and start earning money by sharing any page on the Alison website.

• Change Language

Thinking Critically

This free online course includes:.

• Hours of Learning
• CPD Accreditation
• Final Assessment

Rate This Course & Get Better Recommendations!

Thanks for your review, in this free course, you will learn how to.

This free online training course on Critical Thinking will provide you with an understanding of the process of critical thinking. You will learn about group problem solving and critical thinking as a collective effort. Next, you will learn about the business trends in critical thinking. You will also be learning about the decision-making tactics, critical thinking methods and approaches to solving problems as well as incorporating creative and analytical thinking into problems solving.

Furthermore, in this free Critical Thinking online course, you will learn how to explore, identify and analyze problems as well as what information to gather. Then, you will be learning about brainstorming guidelines, collecting, recording, and developing ideas as well as determining the best solution and the factors of the best solution.

This online course then wraps up with teaching you about accepting a decision, how to prepare your proposal as well as about understanding your audience. It will also teach you how to use visual aids when presenting and about rehearsing your proposal before presenting it. This online course will be of great benefit to learners interested in concepts, theories, techniques and tools used in Critical thinking. Enroll in this course today and start learning how to use critical thinking to solve problems and present solutions.

All Alison courses are free to enrol study and complete. To successfully complete this course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this course, you have the option to acquire an official Diploma, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world.

Your Alison is:

• Ideal for sharing with potential employers
• Great for your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.
• An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill & achieve high results.
• An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning.

Alison offers 3 types of s for completed courses:

• Digital : a downloadable in PDF format immediately available to you when you complete your purchase.
• : a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked , posted to you with FREE shipping.
• Framed : a physical version of your officially branded and security marked in a stylish frame, posted to you with FREE shipping.

All s are available to purchase through the Alison Shop . For more information on purchasing Alison , please visit our FAQs . If you decide not to purchase your Alison , you can still demonstrate your achievement by sharing your Learner Record or Learner Achievement Verification, both of which are accessible from your Account Settings . For more details on our pricing, please visit our Pricing Page

Knowledge & Skills You Will Learn

Complete this cpd accredited course & get your certificate , certify your skills, stand out from the crowd, advance in your career.

Learner Reviews & Feedback For Thinking Critically

Want to create a customised learning path for your team.

Our dedicated Learning Advisors are here to help you curate a customised learning path tailored to your organisation's needs and goals.

Explore Careers Related To This Course

Not sure where to begin or even what you want to do.

Discover the career most suitable for you and get started in the field with a step-by-step plan.

About Your Alison Course Publisher

- alison stats, more free online courses by this publisher, learners who took this course also enrolled in, explore subjects related to this course.

Join our community of 40 million+ learners, upskill with CPD UK accredited courses, explore career development tools and psychometrics - all for free.

• Reset password form here

Enter your friend's email address

Get fresh perspectives and insights into the actionable approaches needed to build back smarter after inflation. Be inspired to transform your organisation while delivering profits.

• Our courses Artificial intelligence Business writing Data storytelling and visualisation Critical thinking International relations Climate change Fintech View all courses

Critical thinking

Problem-solving and decision-making in a complex world

In the age of algorithms and information overload, critical-thinking skills are essential to stay relevant in business. As processes, jobs and entire industries become digitised, it will be vital to capitalise on human advantage by practising strategic self-reflection and asking the right questions. Our two-week online course provides the tools and skills to avoid cognitive bias, reason with rigour and harness artificial intelligence (AI) effectively.

About the programme

This online course is practical, business-oriented and draws on the rigorous processes of The Economist ’s newsroom. Our expert contributors, including Tom Chatfield, the late Daniel Kahneman (1934-2024; filmed in 2023) and Kate Raworth, will equip you with critical-thinking techniques fundamental to staying competitive in the AI age. Understand how to resist oversimplification, reframe complex problems and avoid “groupthink” in business scenarios.

To find out how our courses can empower your organisation with a customisable course structure tailored to your business challenges and goals,  click here .

To think critically is to make the most of your own mind: to reflect upon the limitations of what you know rather than leaping to conclusions, then set about building a more rigorous understanding alongside others.

Dr Tom Chatfield

Author, broadcaster, tech philosopher and course founder

Programme modules

Understand the pitfalls of “fast thinking” and how this can lead to ineffective decision-making. Learn to recognise and overcome cognitive bias and practise strategic self-reflection.

Explore how to use data discerningly, reframe complex problems and ask intelligent questions. This module will feature examples of critical thinking and stress-testing from The Economist ’s newsroom, and examine how these practices can be applied more widely.

Programme benefits

This course will benefit professionals who want to remain competitive in an increasingly automated world. It will prepare you to: 

Recognise and overcome cognitive biases

Challenge assumptions and consider multiple perspectives

Use data discerningly to aid decision-making

Make strong arguments based on evidence

Course leaders and contributors

The Economist ’s team of journalists will contribute specialist insights on business through case studies, videos and podcasts.

The course will be enriched by group discussions with peers from many types of global organisations. Assignments and case studies will challenge participants, providing opportunities to apply new strategies and skills to real-world business scenarios and think critically as a team. Invited experts will explore not only the theory behind critical thinking, but tangible methods and strategies to put this theory into practice. 

Course advisor and deputy editor

The Economist

(1934-2024; filmed in 2023) Professor Emeritus, Nobel laureate and author of "Thinking, Fast and Slow"

Photo credit: Audra Melton

Economist and author of “Doughnut Economics”

Photo credit: Johannes Frandsen

Author and broadcaster

Photo credit: Paul Clarke

Deputy executive editor

Business affairs editor

Deputy editor

Get more information about this course

Enter your details below to receive information, including the course prospectus from GetSmarter, about Economist Education's online course, Critical thinking and decision-making.

By submitting your details, your data will be sent to GetSmarter and processed in accordance with their  privacy policy .

By submitting your details, you agree to The Economist Group’s terms and conditions and privacy policy . Your data will also be sent to GetSmarter and processed in accordance with their privacy policy .

Find out how our courses can empower your organisation with a customisable course structure tailored to your business challenges and goals.

Submit our contact form  here  and we’ll get in touch.

What Riots and Transphobia Teach Us About Critical Thinking

A reflective summary of global issues in the headlines and the need for critical thinking..

Posted August 29, 2024 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

• Misinformation is fueling societal issues including civil unrest and riots.
• Expecting governments and social media platforms to contain it is unrealistic.
• Critical thinking can be the solution.

At the beginning of August, the United Kingdom was swept up by news of the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class, ultimately culminating in race riots. Meanwhile, globally, Olympics mania was overshadowed by a wave of transphobia. Both were triggered by targeted disinformation campaigns, leading to widespread civil unrest and waves of hate. If nothing else, they highlight the urgent need to bring critical thinking education to the forefront of curricula, with a tangible focus on media literacy skills to dampen the wildfire spread of fake news sweeping social media platforms.

So, what happened?

Olympic boxer: Imane Khelif

A single punch that saw her opponent surrender after just 42 seconds, catapulted Algerian female boxer, Imane Khelif, into the second round of the preliminary welterweight. Commenting that she had “never been hit so hard in my life,” competitor Carini attracted the global spotlight onto the women’s boxing event, sparking a wave of transphobic attention to sweep social media, fuelled in large part by misinformation and targeted disinformation.

At the World Championships in March 2023, Khelif was disqualified from participating due to “medical reasons,” which were later published as a failed drug test for high levels of testosterone . The problem was, the test was conducted by the now-defunct IBA, and what’s more, the IBA drew the conclusion that elevated testosterone was a symptom of male chromosomes, despite no other evidence to support this conclusion. In short, the IBA declared Khelif a man, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary. Interestingly, the IBA, which had strong Russian links and some strange timings for several of their decisions, has since been stripped of its governing body status, in light of a lack of transparency and suspicion of corruption around several of its major dealings.

What followed was a flurry of misinformation and disinformation posts taking the IBA’s decision at face value, despite Khelif passing subsequent testing. The posts claimed Khelif was a man, transgender , with no right to compete. Calls to boycott the Olympics only fuelled the fire, and celebrities and influencers weighed in to offer "fair fights," condemn the Olympics, and ignite transphobic hatred, too. All against a woman, who has trained as a woman, fought (and lost) as a woman, and has a birth certificate registering her as a woman. It highlights the emotive danger of fake news.

Southport stabbings to race riots

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the fatal stabbing of three young girls and the injuries of numerous adults hit the headlines, as a ferocious knife attack took place at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class. Initial motives for the attack were unclear, but the perpetrator—who we now know to be British-born 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana—has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, in addition to possession of a bladed article.

A tragic event, and one that should have simply seen a community mourn, became even more heartrending, when far-right protestors clashed with police in Southport, after attacking a mosque. Perpetrator Rudakubana was not Muslim or a foreign national, nor did he have any connections to the mosque. Yet, a misinformation thread, originating in Pakistan and quickly spreading across far-right accounts and Channel3Now, misclaimed that the attacker was Muslim, an asylum seeker, a foreign national, and/or a refugee. It triggered far-right and national race riots, a tidal wave of racism , and an epidemic of civil unrest that was quickly condemned, but hard to contain. This, despite media coverage and the naming of Rudakubana as the attacker.

More than 1,000 arrests have now been made, including children as young as 11, and 100 people have been imprisoned. A journalist in Pakistan has also been charged with misinformation under misinformation laws in Pakistan, as a direct contributor to the unrest. While many argue that the attack merely created an excuse for far-right rioting, it nonetheless highlights the terrifying reality of misinformation spreading unchecked.

What can be done about it? The need for critical thinking

The fastest and most effective method of inoculating the population against misinformation and disinformation in all its forms is to teach and then practise critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a deliberate thought process used to evaluate information. It means specifically and intentionally examining information to determine its validity and relevance. It is an essential skill in improving your cognitive processes but, importantly, is your first line of defence for preventing coercion and coercive control, including identifying misinformation and fake news, as well as gang membership, religious extremism, and cults.

Our brains encounter thousands of pieces of information a day, requiring quick indexing of information to support decision-making . If we didn’t aggressively filter information and take it at face value, we would quickly become paralysed by the size, scale, and scope of our day, and find ourselves paralysed by indecision. While these processes deliver significant benefit in helping us function, it makes us susceptible to accepting information at face value, regardless of its origin. This makes us extremely vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation campaigns, many of which seek to destabilise social function.

Critical thinking is the antithesis, offering tangible, effective strategies to combat our natural shortcomings. It is a learned skill that teaches us to think better, as well as teaching us when we need to think more slowly, allowing time for fact-checking, reflection, and a rational, rather than emotional reaction. At its core, critical thinking is a commitment to remaining open-minded and accepting of other viewpoints; being curious and actively seeking out information; testing your own assumptions by looking for contrary opinions; and pausing to allow emotional reactions to pass and logical reasoning to reassert. The key stages are these:

• Pause and observe: Take time to notice the critically important details and the context of the information.
• Ask questions: Seek to clarify the information and, if necessary, seek alternative sources.
• Determine bias: Every source has a bias—some innocuous, some malicious. Consider the context of the information and the angle they may want to take.
• Infer the implications: What are the implications of the information in that context? What purpose are they hoping to achieve?
• Remain open-minded: Accept that there are other viewpoints; try to understand these respectfully and see how they overlay your own.
• Reason and logic: Apply reason and logic to the information to determine what it tells you. Check facts again at this stage if you need to.
• Re-evaluate and conclude: Sticking doggedly to your beliefs, even in light of new evidence, is a common but difficult trait, and critical thinkers will actively challenge their own ideas.

Critical thinkers are typically not afraid to admit they were wrong or to change their stance in light of new information. In addition, applied critical thinking skills, such as improving your media literacy, can help reduce your susceptibility to misinformation.

Critical thinking in education

At the Open Minds Foundation, we have been tenaciously working to get critical thinking embedded in Western education frameworks, as a method for improving societal thinking and combatting common issues. While misinformation and disinformation are obvious examples, manipulation and coercive control are rife in everything from gang behaviours and cults to religious and political extremism. We have a partnership with teaching resource provider Jigsaw to bring our primary-school resources into schools and are delighted to see the recent statements from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson vowing an end to “putrid conspiracy theories” with changes to the National Curriculum to help pupils spot fake news.

Traditionally, Western education systems are geared toward knowledge acquisition and spend the majority of time conveying what we know rather than how we know it. Importantly, introducing critical thinking skills to children as young as 5 years helps form the basis of intelligent enquiry and helps determine future capability in critical thinking. When we shift away from pure knowledge acquisition and into a process of learning to learn, we sow the seed for the future skills that young people need to protect their own autonomy.

The Open Minds Foundation is dedicated to undermining the effects of coercive control, through critical thinking education and training.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Best Critical Thinking Activities & Games for Employees

8 mins read

by Pete Ford

Updated On Aug 30, 2024

Critical thinking is a valuable skill that can make all the difference in an employee's success. It enables individuals to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form sound judgments.

Furthermore, it's an essential skill an employee needs to perform excellently in the workplace. For a company to grow and develop, employees need to think of how and what to do to ensure the company grows and moves forward. 

In his 1910 book How We Think, Dewey described reflective thinking as an active, persistent, and careful consideration of beliefs or supposed forms of knowledge in light of the grounds that support them and the further conclusions to which they tend. This is closely related to what we now call critical thinking.

A survey by the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that 75% of employers want colleges to emphasize critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, communication, and creativity.

Why Critical Thinking Matters

Critical thinking is crucial in the workplace because it enables employees to:

1. Make Informed Decisions: Provides employees with the skills to analyze data and information thoroughly. This process involves assessing the credibility of sources, weighing evidence, and considering various perspectives. By doing so, employees can avoid hasty judgments and ensure their decisions are based on solid reasoning and facts. This leads to more effective and strategic outcomes, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing overall organizational performance.

2. Identify Biases and Assumptions: Critical thinkers are adept at recognizing their own biases and assumptions, as well as those of others. This self-awareness allows them to approach situations more objectively, leading to fairer and more balanced decisions. It also helps in mitigating the influence of personal prejudices on professional judgments.

3. Solve Complex Problems: Identifies underlying issues, breaks complex problems down into manageable parts, and develops innovative solutions. This systematic approach helps in addressing challenges more efficiently and effectively, fostering a culture of problem-solving within the organization.

4. Evaluate Information and Sources: Employees skilled in critical thinking can discern the reliability and relevance of information from various sources. This ability is crucial in an age of information overload, where distinguishing between credible data and misinformation can significantly impact decision-making and strategic planning.

14 Critical Thinking Activities, Games & Exercises for Employees

1. egg drop.

Many people may have encountered this activity in science class. As it turns out, it is also a great way to help coworkers bond and grow their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. For this activity, members can split into small teams of three to six people. The goal is to create a contraption that will secure and protect the egg from breaking.

It has to be effective in case the egg is dropped from a desk or the top of a building. Each team can use any material available around the workplace. Some of the materials include newspapers, paper clips, straws, tape, cotton balls, balloons, etc. Teams have 15 minutes to decide on the best strategy and building materials.

How to Play The Game

1. Preparation

• Materials: Gather materials like eggs, straws, tape, rubber bands, paper, plastic bags, and other office supplies that can be used for constructing a protective device.
• Set a Time Limit: Decide on a time limit for the activity, typically 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity you want to introduce.

2. Group Formation

• Divide employees into small teams of 3-5 members each. This ensures that everyone can participate and contribute to the design process.

3. Explanation of Rules

• Objective: Each team must design and build a structure that can protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a predetermined height.
• Constraints: Set any specific rules, such as limiting the materials they can use or requiring the structure to fit within certain dimensions.

4. The Building Process

• Teams brainstorm, design, and construct their egg-protection devices within the allotted time. Encourage creativity and teamwork during this phase.

5. Drop Test

• Once the time is up, gather all teams and conduct the drop test from the designated height. You can use a ladder, a balcony, or a raised platform for this.
• Each team drops its egg, and the group observes whether the egg survives the fall intact.

6. Evaluation

• Assess which designs successfully protected the egg and discuss what worked and what didn’t. You can award points for creativity, durability, and teamwork.
• Consider holding a debrief session where teams can share their design processes and the thinking behind their approaches.

7. Conclude

• Conclude by highlighting the lessons learned, such as the importance of collaboration, creative problem-solving, and strategic planning.
• Recognize the winning team(s) and acknowledge the effort of all participants.

Review and Reflection of the Game

Here are three key review and reflection points for the Egg Drop activity:

1. Team Collaboration and Communication: Reflect on how effectively the teams worked together. Consider the quality of communication, how tasks were divided, and how decisions were made. What contributed to strong teamwork, and where could collaboration be improved?

2. Problem-Solving and Creativity: Review the problem-solving strategies and creative approaches teams used. What innovative designs emerged, and what made them successful? Analyze any failed attempts to understand what could be done differently next time.

3. Application to Workplace Skills: Reflect on how the activity relates to real workplace scenarios. How can the teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills demonstrated in the Egg Drop challenge be applied to everyday tasks and projects at work?

Key Takeaway

Employees must collaborate to design a structure that protects an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. The challenge requires them to think critically about materials, design, and physics, testing and refining their ideas. It highlights the importance of planning, innovative thinking, and learning from failure, all of which are crucial skills in the workplace.

Through improv activities, teams can improve their rapid problem-solving and critical thinking skills . Start by giving them a problem or scenario to solve together. Next, each participant builds on the preceding response by adding one sentence in turn. The scenario changes and gets more challenging with every new sentence. When the group responds to all the questions and comes up with a workable solution, the activity is over.

How to Conduct the Activity

1. Set the scenario: Provide the team with a question or scenario to resolve together.

2. Take Turns: Participants take turns adding one sentence to build on the previous response, evolving the scenario.

3. Encourage Creativity: Each new sentence should creatively change the situation, challenging the team to adapt quickly.

4. Conclude: The activity ends when the team completes the story or reaches a solution.

Review and Reflection of the Activity

1. Team Adaptability : Reflect on how well the team adapted to the constantly changing scenario. Did participants remain flexible and build on each other’s ideas effectively?

2. Creative Problem-Solving: Consider the level of creativity in the responses. How did the team use their imagination to navigate the evolving scenario? Were they able to think on their feet?

3. Communication and Collaboration : Assess how well team members communicated and collaborated. Was there a smooth flow of ideas? Did everyone contribute equally?

3. Escape Room

Escape Room Challenge is one of the best critical thinking games for team building that encourages problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

To "escape" from a themed room, employees must solve puzzles and riddles within a predetermined amount of time. This team-building activity improves communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities by forcing participants to think critically and work under pressure. It's an exciting way to foster strategic thinking in a light-hearted, immersive setting.

How to Play the Game

1. Preparation: Create or select a themed room with a series of puzzles, riddles, and challenges. Ensure the setup is safe, and the puzzles are varied to engage different skill sets.

2. Gather Materials: Collect necessary items such as locks, keys, clues, and props related to the theme.

3. Form Teams: Divide participants into small teams of 4–6 people to encourage collaboration and maximize participation.

4. Set the Scene: Explain the objective: Brief the teams on the scenario, the backstory, and their goal to solve all the puzzles within a set time (usually 60 minutes) to "escape" the room.

5. Review the Rules: Outline any specific rules, such as not forcing open locks or damaging props, and explain how they can ask for hints if needed.

6. Gameplay: Start the timer. Begin the activity and let the teams work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and unlock the final solution.

7. Monitor Progress: Observe the teams as they play, providing hints if requested, and ensuring the game flows smoothly.

8. Debrief and Reflect: After the time is up, gather everyone to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and the strategies used. Highlight the importance of teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving.

9. Celebrate Success: Recognize the efforts of all teams, whether they escaped or not, and celebrate the collaboration and critical thinking demonstrated during the activity.

Reviews and Reflection of the Game

1. Team Dynamics and Communication: Reflect on how well the team members communicated and collaborated. Did everyone contribute ideas, and was there effective coordination in solving the puzzles?

2. Problem-Solving Approaches:   Consider the strategies the teams used to tackle the challenges. Were they able to think critically and creatively under pressure? How did they handle setbacks or difficult puzzles?

3. Time Management : Evaluate how the teams managed their time during the activity. Did they prioritize tasks effectively and work efficiently within the time limit? What could be improved in future scenarios?

The Escape Room activity emphasizes the importance of effective teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving under pressure in the workplace. It highlights how working together and managing time efficiently are crucial for overcoming challenges, achieving goals, and meeting standards set by the company.

4. Murder Mystery

A Murder Mystery game is a critical thinking activity where employees work together to solve a fictional crime. It involves analyzing clues, collaborating, and deducing the perpetrator's identity based on evidence and logical reasoning. This exercise enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, as employees must communicate effectively and use their analytical skills to uncover the solution.

1. Preparation: Choose or create a murder mystery scenario, assign roles to participants, and distribute character information.

2. Gameplay: Set the scene and rules, then let participants interact, gather clues, and work together to solve the mystery.

3. Debrief and Reveal: Reveal the solution, discuss how clues led to the conclusion, and acknowledge participants’ efforts and teamwork.

1. Engagement and Role-Playing: Reflect on how engaged participants were with their roles and the storyline. Did they fully immerse themselves in their characters and contribute to the narrative effectively?

2. Clue Gathering and Deduction: Consider how well teams gathered and analyzed clues. Were they able to piece together information and make logical deductions to identify the "murderer"? How effective were their investigative strategies?

3. Team Collaboration: Assess the level of collaboration and communication among team members. Did they work together cohesively to solve the mystery, or were there challenges in sharing information and coordinating efforts?

The Murder Mystery activity highlights the value of teamwork, effective communication, and critical thinking. It demonstrates how collaborative problem-solving and role-playing can enhance investigative skills and foster a deeper understanding of team dynamics in a fun and engaging way.

5. Puzzle-Solving Relay

A team-building exercise called the Puzzle Solving Relay aims to improve problem-solving and collaboration. In a relay-style setting, teams solve puzzles individually before moving on to the next member. Critical thinking abilities can be improved individually and as a team using this exercise.

1. Setup: Prepare a series of puzzles (e.g., logic puzzles, crosswords, riddles) and divide participants into teams. Each team will work on the puzzles in a relay format.

2. Relay Play: Each team member solves one puzzle before passing it to the next person. Teams continue this process until all puzzles are completed.

1. Evaluate Team Performance: Assess how well teams communicated and collaborated during the relay. Were they efficient and supportive of each other?

2. Analyze Problem-Solving Strategies: Reflect on the strategies used to solve the puzzles. What methods were effective, and where did teams face challenges?

3. Discuss Lessons Learned: Discuss to share insights and feedback. Highlight what worked well and areas for improvement in teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The Puzzle Solving Relay activity emphasizes the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving. It demonstrates how working collaboratively and leveraging each team member’s strengths can lead to successful outcomes and improved team dynamics.

6. Role-Playing Activities

Role-playing exercises, such as scenario-based training exercises, are effective critical thinking exercises for teams. Real-world scenarios are utilized to enhance employees' skills and knowledge. This approach involves creating scenarios that closely mimic the challenges and expectations employees face in their roles. For example, Walmart uses role-playing games to train employees in customer service, where they practice handling various scenarios such as resolving complaints and providing assistance. Similarly, Lockheed Martin employs virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences to train employees in assembling spacecraft and aircraft, allowing them to practice complex tasks in a controlled, realistic environment.

Role-playing activities in scenario-based training emphasize the importance of practical, hands-on learning. By simulating real-world challenges, employees can develop critical skills, improve their problem-solving abilities, and enhance their overall job performance. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of their roles and prepares them for real-life situations, ultimately leading to more effective and confident employees.

How to Conduct the “Role Playing” Activity

1. Define the Scenario

• Choose or create a relevant workplace scenario or issue for participants to role-play.
• Clearly explain the context, objectives, and roles each participant will assume.

2. Conduct the Role Play

• Have participants act out their roles and interact according to the scenario.
• Allow them time to address the situation and make decisions based on their characters’ perspectives.

3. Debrief and Discuss

• After the role play, gather everyone to discuss the experience.
• Reflect on the strategies used, the effectiveness of communication, and how the scenario relates to real workplace situations.

1. Assess Role Performance : Evaluate how well participants embodied their roles and handled the scenario. Did they stay true to their characters and effectively address the situation?

2. Analyze Communication and Problem-Solving : Reflect on the communication strategies and problem-solving approaches used during the role play. How did participants collaborate and resolve issues?

3. Discuss Lessons Learned : Share insights and feedback. Highlight what participants learned about handling similar situations in real life and how role play can improve workplace interactions and decision-making.

The key takeaway is that it helps enhance critical thinking by allowing participants to explore various perspectives, practice problem-solving, and improve communication skills in a dynamic, interactive environment.

7. Reverse Brainstorming

Teams that participate in the Reverse Brainstorming challenge begin by generating ideas for ways to exacerbate an issue rather than find a solution. After listing all the bad ideas, they reverse these concepts to come up with possible fixes. By taking a novel perspective on the problem, this exercise promotes innovative problem-solving and helps teams look beyond the box.

1. Define the Problem : Clearly state the problem or challenge you want to address. Make sure everyone understands the issue before starting.

2. Reverse Brainstorming : Ask participants to brainstorm ways to make the problem worse rather than solving it. Encourage them to think creatively about actions or strategies that would exacerbate the issue.

3. Generate Solutions : Reverse the negative ideas into positive solutions. Discuss how the actions that would worsen the problem can be flipped to create effective solutions. Reflect on the insights gained from this approach.

1. Evaluate Idea Generation : Assess the creativity and range of ideas generated for worsening the problem. Did participants think broadly and consider various aspects of the issue?

2. Analyze Solution Development : Reflect on how effectively the negative ideas were transformed into positive solutions. Were the solutions practical and innovative?

3. Discuss Insights and Learning : Discuss the overall process. What did participants learn about problem-solving and creativity? How did the reverse approach influence their understanding of the original problem?

Critical thinking activities like reverse brainstorming illustrate how innovative solutions can be found by taking a different approach to a problem. By first considering how to worsen the issue, teams gain new perspectives that can be flipped to develop creative and effective strategies for solving the original problem.

8. The Marshmallow Challenge

In the Marshmallow Challenge, teams are given a set amount of time to build the tallest freestanding structure using only spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. The catch is that the marshmallow must be placed on top of the structure. It enhances critical thinking by fostering problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and iterative learning. Teams design and build a structure with limited resources, learning to adapt and refine their strategies in real time.

1. Distribute Materials : Provide each team with a set of materials (e.g., spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow). Ensure all teams have the same resources.

2. Build the Structure : Challenge teams to build the tallest freestanding structure they can using the materials provided, with the marshmallow placed on top. Set a time limit (typically 18–30 minutes).

3. Evaluate and Reflect : Measure the height of each structure and check if the marshmallow is on top. Discuss the design approaches, teamwork, and problem-solving strategies used during the challenge.

Assess Design and Execution: Evaluate how well each team’s structure was built and the effectiveness of their design. Did the structures achieve the goal of being the tallest and holding the marshmallow?

Analyze Team Collaboration: Reflect on how teams worked together. Were roles and tasks divided effectively? Did team members communicate and collaborate well

Discuss Lessons Learned: Review the key insights gained from the challenge. What did teams learn about planning, prototyping, and adjusting their approach? How can these lessons be applied to workplace projects and problem-solving?

The Marshmallow Challenge highlights the importance of prototyping, iterative design, and teamwork. It demonstrates how rapid experimentation and collaboration can lead to successful outcomes, emphasizing the need for adaptability and creativity in problem-solving.

9. Two Truths and A Lie

The first task involves one individual making three assertions about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is false. The other participants must then determine which of the three statements about the person were true and which were lies.

Two Truths and a Lie helps employees with critical thinking by:

• Enhancing Observation : Participants must discern truth from deception.
• Improving Communication: It encourages clear and thoughtful sharing of information.
• Fostering Insight: Employees learn to read cues and understand underlying motives.

1. Explain the Rules : Each participant takes turns sharing three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is a lie. The rest of the team must guess which statement is a lie.

2. Take Turns : Allow each participant to present their three statements. After each person shares, the team discusses and votes on which statement they think is false.

3. Reveal and Discuss : After guesses are made, the participant reveals which statement was the lie. Discuss the truths behind the statements, fostering conversation and helping team members learn more about each other.

1. Evaluate Participation and Engagement : Reflect on how actively participants engaged with the activity. Did everyone take part and contribute to guessing and revealing the statements?

2. Analyze Communication and Interaction : Assess the quality of interaction and communication during the activity. How well did team members discuss their guesses and share their thoughts?

3. Discuss Insights and Team Building : Review what participants learned about each other and how the activity helped in team bonding. Discuss any new insights gained and how the activity might improve team dynamics and understanding.

The "Two Truths and a Lie" activity fosters team bonding and improves communication by encouraging employees to share personal insights and engage in light-hearted interaction. It helps team members learn more about each other, build relationships, and enhance trust in a fun and informal setting.

10. Silent Line-Up

In just five minutes, you may finish the non-verbal game called Silent Line-Up. This exercise aims to promote problem-solving, cooperation, and communication abilities without the use of words.

Team members must form a line and silently arrange themselves according to a predetermined criterion to participate in the silent line-up.

How to play the Game ‍

1. Explain the Objective : Inform participants that the goal is to line up in a specific order (e.g., by birthdate, height, or years of experience) without speaking. Clearly state the criteria for the lineup.

2. Initiate the Activity : Start the activity and let participants begin organizing themselves according to the specified criteria. Ensure they understand they must use non-verbal communication and gestures to coordinate.

Once the lineup is complete, check if the order is correct. Discuss the experience, focusing on the strategies used, the effectiveness of non-verbal communication, and how the activity can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The silent line-up activity emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication and teamwork. It demonstrates how effective coordination and understanding can be achieved through gestures and teamwork without relying on verbal instructions, fostering stronger collaboration and problem-solving skills.

11. Tower of Hanoi

The Tower of Hanoi is a straightforward mathematical puzzle that can be effectively used to evaluate and enhance employees’ problem-solving skills. This puzzle involves moving a series of disks from one peg to another, following specific rules, and is a popular tool for assessing working memory and planning abilities. By incorporating the Tower of Hanoi into training programs, companies can help employees develop critical thinking skills, as the puzzle requires careful planning and strategic thinking to solve.

Additionally, the complexity of the puzzle can be easily adjusted by adding more disks or pegs, making it suitable for various skill levels. Incorporating the Tower of Hanoi into employee training not only fosters critical thinking but also provides a fun and engaging way to improve cognitive abilities. Employees can work individually or in teams to solve the puzzle, promoting collaboration and communication.

This activity can also serve as a diagnostic tool to identify areas where employees may need further development, particularly in their planning and problem-solving skills. By challenging employees with the Tower of Hanoi, companies can create a dynamic learning environment that encourages continuous improvement and innovation.

1. Objective : Move all disks from the starting peg to the target peg, following the rules.

• Only one disk can be moved at a time.
• A disk can only be placed on a larger disk or an empty peg.
• Move the top (n−1)(n−1)(n−1) disks to the auxiliary peg.
• Move the largest disk to the target peg.
• Move the (n−1)(n−1)(n−1) disks from the auxiliary peg to the target peg.

The challenge involves strategic planning and problem-solving to achieve the goal efficiently.

1. Assess Strategy and Execution : Evaluate the strategies used to solve the Tower of Hanoi. How effectively did participants plan their moves and manage the constraints? Were there any common strategies or approaches?

2. Analyze Problem-Solving Skills : Reflect on how participants approached problem-solving. Did they demonstrate effective planning and foresight? How did they handle challenges or mistakes?

3. Discuss Lessons Learned : Hold a discussion on the insights gained from the activity. What did participants learn about strategic thinking, patience, and perseverance? How can these lessons be applied to workplace problem-solving and project management?

The Tower of Hanoi activity highlights the importance of strategic planning , patience, and problem-solving. It demonstrates how methodical thinking and careful execution can lead to successful outcomes, reinforcing skills that are valuable for tackling complex tasks and managing projects in the workplace.

12. Rebus Puzzle

For a rebus puzzle, every component of a jigsaw puzzle represents a member of your team. It is distinct from every other piece in terms of shape and function. Because of this, an effective team leader will learn about their needs and handle each member uniquely. Every component of a jigsaw puzzle fits into the overall design.

Basically, it uses pictures and symbols to represent words or phrases. It enhances workplace critical thinking by promoting problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork through decoding visual clues.

How to Play the Rebus Puzzle

1. Receive the Puzzle : Obtain the visual representation of words or phrases. This could be a printed sheet, a digital image, or a projected slide.

2. Analyze the Clues : Examine the pictures, symbols, or letters presented in the puzzle. Look for familiar shapes, objects, or patterns that might hint at a word or phrase.

3. Interpret the Symbols : Break down the visual elements into parts that could represent sounds, words, or phrases. For example, a picture of an eye might represent the word “I,” and a picture of a bee might represent the sound “B.”

4. Combine Interpretations : Piece together the individual interpretations to form a coherent phrase or solution. This step often requires creative thinking and the ability to see connections between different elements.

5. Verify the Answer : Check if your solution makes sense and matches the intended message. If the phrase or word seems logical and fits the clues provided, you have likely solved the puzzle correctly.

1. Evaluate the Problem-Solving Approach : Assess how participants approached solving the puzzle. Did they use effective strategies and collaborate well? How did they interpret and piece together the visual clues?

2. Analyze Communication and Teamwork : Reflect on how well participants communicated and worked together (if in teams). Was there effective sharing of ideas and feedback?

3. Discuss Insights and Learning : Discuss what participants learned from the activity. How did it enhance their ability to think creatively and solve problems? What insights can be applied to other problem-solving scenarios in the workplace?

The Rebus Puzzle activity emphasizes the importance of creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. It shows how interpreting visual clues can enhance lateral thinking skills and teamwork, providing valuable insights into how diverse approaches can be applied to solving complex problems in the workplace.

13. Socrates Circle

Socrates Circle is a critical thinking game where participants discuss a topic in a structured dialogue, encouraging deep questioning and reflection. It helps employees enhance their analytical skills , communication, and collaborative problem-solving.

1. Define the Topic : Select a topic or question for discussion that is relevant to the workplace or team dynamics. Ensure it is open-ended and thought-provoking.

2. Facilitate the Discussion :

• Arrange Participants : Set up a circle or virtual meeting where everyone can see each other.
• Start the Discussion : Ask the chosen question and encourage participants to share their thoughts and perspectives.

3. Use Socratic Questioning Techniques : Ask probing questions that challenge assumptions and encourage deeper thinking. For example, "What is the underlying reason for this issue?" or "How might this perspective change our approach?"

4. Summarize and Reflect : Conclude the discussion by summarizing the key points and insights gained. Reflect on the different viewpoints shared and how they might influence future actions or decisions. Encourage participants to consider how the discussion can impact their work and interactions.

1. Evaluate Participation and Engagement : Assess how actively participants engaged in the discussion. Did they contribute thoughtfully and consider different perspectives?

2. Analyze the Depth of Discussion : Reflect on how effectively the Socratic questioning deepened the discussion. Did it challenge assumptions and lead to meaningful insights?

3. Discuss Lessons Learned : Review the key insights and understanding gained from the discussion. How did the activity enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills? What new perspectives or solutions emerged?

The Socrates Circle fosters deep critical thinking and open dialogue by encouraging participants to explore different viewpoints and challenge assumptions. It enhances understanding and decision-making by promoting thoughtful questioning and reflection on complex issues.

14. Paper Tower Challenge

The Paper Town Challenge is a critical thinking game where employees use only paper to create a model of a town or structure. Participants must plan, design, and construct their models while adhering to specific constraints.

Here’s the formatted version with bold subheadings:

For the Workplace, This Game Fosters Critical Thinking by

1. Encouraging Creativity : Requires innovative use of limited resources.

2. Enhancing Problem-Solving : Involves overcoming design and construction challenges.

3. Promoting Teamwork : Requires collaboration and communication to build the model.

1. Distribute Materials : Provide paper and basic tools.

2. Define Objectives : Set guidelines for what to build (e.g., a town or structure).

3. Design and Build : Teams plan and construct their models using only paper.

4. Present and Review : Share and evaluate each model based on creativity and adherence to guidelines.

This game enhances creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

1. Evaluate Creativity and Design : Assess how creatively and effectively participants designed their paper towns. Did they use the materials in innovative ways and incorporate various elements into their designs?

2. Analyze Teamwork and Execution : Reflect on how well teams worked together during the challenge. Was there clear communication and collaboration? How did they handle any obstacles or constraints?

3. Discuss Learning and Application : Review the key takeaways from the activity, including insights into planning, resource management, and teamwork. How can the experience be applied to real-world projects and problem-solving scenarios?

The Paper Town Challenge emphasizes the importance of creativity, collaboration, and resource management. It shows how working together to create a complex design with limited materials can enhance problem-solving skills, encourage innovative thinking, and improve team dynamics. Games for critical thinking in the workplace are crucial because they foster essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication.

By engaging in these activities, employees enhance their ability to think analytically, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with innovative solutions. These skills contribute to a more dynamic, adaptable, and resilient workforce, ultimately driving greater organizational success.

The 14 critical thinking activities for employees in the workplace are outlined, and they offer proper insight to help employees in the workplace develop strong hindsight in their day-to-day activities.

Edstellar , a global training platform, provides a wealth of additional team-building activities to provide a wide range of critical thinking activities, as mentioned, to help build better employees in the workplace.

Ultimately, it’s going to provide an amazing method for organizations that need employees to think far and wide to better themselves for the organization's growth and development.

By Pete Ford

Explore High-impact instructor-led training for your teams.

#On-site  #Virtual

Edstellar Training Catalog

Explore 2000+ industry ready instructor-led training programs.

Have a Training Requirement?

Coaching that unlocks potential.

Create dynamic leaders and cohesive teams. Learn more now!

Want to evaluate your team’s skill gaps?

Do a quick Skill gap analysis with Edstellar’s Free Skill Matrix tool

Related Posts

Stay informed on L&D best practices

Get periodic updates on learning and development industry trends, expert insights, success stories and innovative training practices from Edstellar.

Featured Post

Top 10 in-demand skills in belgium, 9 leadership conferences to attend in australia in 2025, upcoming l&d international conferences in europe 2025, top 10 in-demand skills in austria, top 4 corporate training companies in china, top 10 in-demand skills in australia in 2024, blog categories, related corporate training programs.

Submit your Training Requirements below and We'll get in touch with you shortly.

Tell us about your requirements

Edstellar is a one-stop instructor-led corporate training and coaching solution that addresses organizational upskilling and talent transformation needs globally. Edstellar offers 2000+ tailored programs across disciplines that include Technical, Behavioral, Management, Compliance, Leadership and Social Impact.

Student Performance Through 21st-Century Skills: Integrating Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Creativity in Modern Education

Posted: 30 Aug 2024

Rujonel Cariaga

Department of Education

Date Written: August 12, 2024

Globalization, quick technological advancement, and the necessity of individuals who can think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively with others, and be creative (the 4Cs) define the demands of the twenty-first century. Our schools must adapt to these requirements. We must cease depending so much on inflexible, set-in-stone instructional approaches and replace them with more flexible, skill-based methods suitable for a future we have yet to learn about. The COVID-19 epidemic is driving more classes and examinations conducted online. This emphasizes the need for robust, flexible educational institutions to manage such issues. While some instructors need more training, some children perform well, and others do not. Local educational systems have to cope with these all-around issues. Regarding the instructors and the tools they use for learning, schools in the country and those in the city differ greatly. More major problems causing students to do poorly on their work include stress before examinations and online proctoring systems failing as they used to be. Problems in the neighborhood that aggravate these include socioeconomic ones influencing entrance into the justice system and the school. Furthermore, people dislike the unequal application of STEM education, which compromises the 21st-century competencies of pupils. Research on best teaching and assessing 21st-century skills in many environments still needs to be completed. This article will examine the 4Cs, teacher independence, and professional development today in light of one another. The aim is to uncover evidence capable of influencing educational policy and practice. Understanding this will help political leaders and educators create better classrooms for every child. Every child will do better in school, enabling them to prepare for difficult circumstances ahead. Researchers must understand how 21st-century abilities influence students' performance in various spheres, including math if they are to create decent educational strategies. Since they determine how well college students do in the classroom, 21st-century skills are applicable at all academic levels. People discuss many issues related to student performance in the twenty-first century, including student knowledge and performance, teacher performance and behavior, technology, and integrated learning approaches, curriculum development policies and plans, and the necessity of significant legislative reforms. Six distinct approaches to viewing and analyzing education assist us in grasping its current dynamics. DiBenedetto and Myers (2016) see things differently regarding preparing children for the year 2000. Williams (2021) explores how federal and state policies may help bridge the achievement disparity among early children by linking policy initiatives to school performance. Many authors have commented on the problems that result from applying contemporary education in various global locations. Voogt and Roblin published a study in 2010 on 21st-century talents. The two guys discussed the difficulties of teaching Latin American children more in 2007. People will consider the issues and opportunities schools worldwide have to handle.

Keywords: Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Teamwork, Student Performance

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Rujonel Cariaga (Contact Author)

Department of education ( email ).

Philippines

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics, related ejournals, social sciences education ejournal.

Subscribe to this fee journal for more curated articles on this topic

Pedagogy eJournal

Sociology of education ejournal, teacher education ejournal, communication education ejournal, political economy - development: public service delivery ejournal.

POHSD - Critical Infrastructure and Private/Public Partnerships

Course description.

During this course, participants will be provided with an overview of Critical infrastructure protection that can be used to protect critical infrastructure and key resources and their assets from terrorist acts. Participants will be able to define critical infrastructure and key resources, identify critical infrastructure sectors, understand the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, understand and discuss public-private partnerships, define and understand legislation and programs designed to assist in the protection of critical infrastructure and the importance of risk assessments to protect from criminal activity and terrorist attacks.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify critical infrastructure sectors and their key resources.
• Describe the importance of protecting critical infrastructure.
• Explain public-private partnerships.
• Describe which legislation and programs are designed to assist in the protection of critical infrastructure.
• Recognize the importance of risk assessments to protect from criminal activity and terrorist attacks.
• Differentiate the types of terrorist threats to critical infrastructure.

Requirements:

• This online course requires access to a computer with internet access, email, an Internet browser (Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox recommended), MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Online self-paced with two weeks to complete the course.

Courses are open to all participants, not just those pursuing the MicroCert or Certificate.

For more information about this course, email  Answers   or call 833-280-5634.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Homeland Security Specialist MicroCert : Homeland Security

POHSD - POHSD.(1)

English Proficiency Requirements

Continuing education programs.

Continuing Education (CE) courses and programs offered online through LSU Online & Continuing Education typically include a combination of lecture and discussion as well as reading and writing assignments. You need an adequate command of English in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) to participate in classes.

If English is not your native language, you must meet one of the English language proficiency requirements below to be successful in our CE programs. If you intend to register for a CE course or program, you can determine whether you meet English proficiency requirements by self-assessment prior to enrolling. We want to empower you, the learner, to progress successfully. Completing this self-assessment will enable you to make a good decision on whether you can complete one of our programs.

Intermediate English Skills

Most CE professional development courses and programs require at least intermediate English skills, which are equivalent to a B2 level of English language proficiency on the Self-Assessment Form . When assessing yourself, be sure to read through each of the categories under Column B2 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.

Advanced English Skills

Online Distance Learning courses and microcreds are for-credit courses and might require more advanced English skills, equivalent to a C1 level on the Learner Self-Assessment Form . Be sure to read through each of the categories under Column C1 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.

Session Time-Out

Online self-paced, privacy policy, cookie policy.

Cookie policy

This statement explains how we use cookies on our website. For information about what types of personal information will be gathered when you visit the website, and how this information will be used, please see our privacy policy.

How we use cookies

All of our web pages use "cookies". A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that we place on your computer or mobile device if you agree. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and enables us to improve our website.

Types of cookies we use

We use the following types of cookies:

• Strictly necessary cookies - these are essential in to enable you to move around the websites and use their features. Without these cookies the services you have asked for, such as signing in to your account, cannot be provided.
• Performance cookies - these cookies collect information about how visitors use a website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often. We use this information to improve our websites and to aid us in investigating problems raised by visitors. These cookies do not collect information that identifies a visitor.
• Functionality cookies - these cookies allow the website to remember choices you make and provide more personal features. For instance, a functional cookie can be used to remember the items that you have placed in your shopping cart. The information these cookies collect may be anonymized and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites.

Most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them please visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org/ .

Specific cookies we use

The list below identify the cookies we use and explain the purposes for which they are used. We may update the information contained in this section from time to time.

• JSESSIONID: This cookie is used by the application server to identify a unique user's session.
• registrarToken: This cookie is used to remember items that you have added to your shopping cart
• locale: This cookie is used to remember your locale and language settings.
• cookieconsent_status: This cookie is used to remember if you've already dismissed the cookie consent notice.
• _ga_UA-########: These cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We use the information to compile reports and to help us improve the website. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the website, where visitors have come to the site from and the pages they visited. This anonymized visitor and browsing information is stored in Google Analytics.

Changes to our Cookie Statement

Any changes we may make to our Cookie Policy in the future will be posted on this page.

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn more about DOAJ’s privacy policy.

Hide this message

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

The Directory of Open Access Journals

Quick search.

Journal of Advanced Sciences and Mathematics Education (Jan 2022)

21st century STEM education: An increase in mathematical critical thinking skills and gender through technological integration

• Suherman Suherman,
• Revani Husain Setiawan,
• Herdian Herdian,
• Bambang Sri Anggoro

Affiliations

Read online

STEM learning is a process of improving one's mathematical critical thinking skills in the twenty-first century. The study aimed to compare the mathematical skills of critical thinking between genders through STEM learning. The researchers employed the quasi-experiment design with 2 x 2 factorial designs and a simple random sampling technique. The research data were collected using tests to assess students' mathematical critical thinking skills. The normality, homogeneity, and hypothesis tests analysis were performed using two-way ANOVA. The research findings are as follows: (1) there were differences between STEM and conventional learning in mathematical critical thinking skills. STEM learning through technological integration is more effective than conventional learning; (2) there was a difference in the mathematical critical thinking skills results between male and female students, with female students having a higher ability to use critical thinking skills. It is expected that STEM learning can be used as a learning solution in the twenty-first century.

• mathematical critical thinking gender
• technological integration.

WeChat QR code