Week 1 A - Orientation and Pre-Instructional Activities

Activity 1 :: Activity 2 :: Activity 3 :: Activity 4 :: Activity 5 :: Activity 6

Introduction

In this first activity you will be oriented to the requirements for the Reasoning and Problem Solving domain.

The goal of the Reasoning and Problem Solving domain is to lead students to a systematic examination of an open-ended issue or problem that takes them beyond an unexamined point of view. As students explore aspects of critical thinking, they find themselves consciously monitoring their thinking in order to improve the way they think. As they become more self-aware thinkers, they learn to balance a healthy skepticism with an intellectual humility that discourages premature closure on issues they seek to understand.

Learning to become an effective and fair critical thinker prepares students for responsible participation as professionals and citizens, as well as in their personal lives. To realize the goal of this domain, students must practice conscious, systematic and self-reflective reasoning incorporating the standards and elements of critical thinking.

Competencies

Within the Reasoning & Problem Solving domain, there are six (6) competencies.

Domain 106 –Reasoning & Problem Solving

Competency 106.1.1: Problem Identification and Clarification
The graduate analyzes open-ended problems by learning about the problem and evaluating the accuracy and relevance of different perspectives on the problem.
Competency 106.1.2: Planning and Information Gathering
The graduate evaluates different sources representing a range of perspectives on a problem in order to weigh the implications and consequences of different solutions to the problem.
Competency 106.1.3: Assumptions and Values
The graduate identifies internal and external biases and assumptions related to a problem, and then evaluates the influence and validity of these biases and assumptions.
Competency 106.1.4: Analysis and Interpretation of Information/Data
The graduate synthesizes information to understand a problem’s complexities and potential solutions, and then evaluates the reasoning and evidence in support of these different solutions.
Competency 106.1.5: Reaching Well-Founded Conclusions
The graduate logically brings together information to arrive at a viable solution to a problem, and then clearly and accurately communicates the results.
Competency 106.1.6: Identifying the Role of Critical Thinking in the Disciplines and Professions
The graduate recognizes the value of Critical Thinking in identifying and understanding the underlying structures of disciplines and professions.