Module Code - Title:
AH4134
-
APPLIED CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is one of a new suite of Transferable and Applied Skills modules being developed as part of the new BA Arts Professional Pathways. This new degree blends subjects and modules traditionally available on arts, humanities and social science programmes with modules that respond to the increased demand in the workplace for transferable and applied skills.
This module aims to develop student's understanding of what critical thinking actually means and how to apply it in 'real world' contexts. Building on this, the module aims to integrate critical thinking as a integral component of creative and collaborative problem solving
Syllabus:
1. Syllabus:
This module has five core components:
i. Unpacking the meaning and implications of critical thinking and its role in problem solving
ii. Understanding critical thinking and problem solving in action
iii. Recognising and overcoming the challenges to critical thinking and problem solving
iv. Techniques for critical thinking and problem solving
iv. Practicing critical thinking - a student led, PBL, active learning process.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of core concepts about critical thinking and problem solving, including problem understanding, the role of evidence, and the influence of bias / assumptions on decision making.
- Apply these core concepts to enable reflection of students own experiences and practices of thinking, analysis and problem solving
- Analyse the relationship between critical thinking and more effective problem solving, particularly as it applies to the workplace
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Acknowledge the nature and impact of their own approaches to thinking and problem solving in the workplace
- Question how their approaches to decision making and problem solving may have changed over time
- Embrace the need for a more complex and intellectually challenging approach to decision making and problem solving
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module content has been developed following a review of best practice in the delivery of critical thinking education and problem based learning. Delivery will include lectures and interactive tutorials. The module will include a substantial component of facilitated, group based, problem oriented discussion that will allow for closer collaboration and peer learning between and within the student cohort. This module is directly aligned the the UL graduate attributes given its core focus on collaborative working and on creative and knowledgeable problem solving.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hanscomb, Stuart (2023)
Critical Thinking: The Basics
, Routledge
Halpern and Dunn (2021)
Critial Thinking: A model of Intelligence for Solving Real World Problems
, Journal of Intelligence 9, 22
Fask D & Fair F. (2020)
Critical Thinking and Reasoning Theory, Development, Instruction, and Assessment
, Brill
Paul, Richard and Elder, Linda (2019)
The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts andTools
, Rowman and Littlefield
Wechsler et al (2018)
Creative and critical thinking: Independent or overlapping components?
, Thinking Skills and Creativity 27
Dwyer, Christopher P. Hogan, Michael J., Steward, Ian (2014)
An integrated critical thinking framework for the 21stcentury
, Thinking Skills and Creativity 12
Moore, Tim (2013)
Critical thinking: seven definitions in search of a concept
, Studies inHigher Education, 38, 4.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
chris.g.mcinerney@ul.ie