Having trouble understanding and analysing information? Well we are here to help. Think outside the box with our useful guidelines on how to improve your critical thinking skills. Perfect your skills and learn how to make an informed decision.
What are Critical Thinking Skills?
Critical thinking skills is the ability to decode, analyse and understand valuable information. It helps you make decisions based on the knowledge you have on the project or problem. This is one of the most important soft skills you can have. It can be used to:
- Complete tasks in the workplace
- Solve issues
- Come up with creative ideas for projects and duties
- Understand the study material in your course
How to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills
Settling for the first thought that comes to mind? Then your critical thinking skills might need some work. To make the right decision takes time. You have to understand every detail before you can put it into action. Listed below are our tips on how to improve your critical thinking skills.
- Identify the problem
- Have a goal in mind
- Determine the different outcomes of your decision
- Do your research
- Ask questions
- Question what you know
- Analyse data easier by breaking up the information
- Listen to other perspectives
- Write it down
- Take a step back
Identify the Problem
Before you can put your critical thinking skills to the test, you need to identify the problem or goal. Take a look at the issue you want to address or the answers you want to gain. This will help you determine the route you need to take to come up with the right ideas and solutions.
Have a Goal in Mind
Once you know what you want, you need to narrow it down to a clear goal you want to achieve. Whether it’s the aim of a project, or fixing an issue in the workplace. Your goals will help you stick to the facts by focusing on the relevant information you need.
Determine the Different Outcome of Your Decisions
Want to know where to start? Then you need to determine where you are going. Each decision you make can have a different outcome. Choose the one that best fits your goals. Consider using the techniques and information you used to get this outcome.
Do Your Research
When thinking critically, doing research is your greatest resource. The more you know, the better your understanding of the task at hand will be. Take this time to gather all the necessary information you need. The decision you make will then be less influenced by your own perspective.
Ask Questions
Not everything you want to know comes easily. So you can’t accept everything as it is. You need to ask as many questions as you can. This will help you analyse and come up with useful conclusions. This is vital when doing research. The “what”, “why” and “how” will come in handy.
Question What you Know
After questioning the information you gained, it’s time to question what you know. Figure out how it is relevant to your goal. This will help you determine if you understood the data. If you end up with more questions than answers, you need to do some further research.
Analyse Data Easier by Breaking up the Information
Looking at a problem or goal as a whole can be overwhelming. So break up the information you have. Instead of tackling the entire project at once, focus on one aspect at a time. It will become easier to manage and analyse. You can add all the elements together at the end.
Listen to Other Perspectives
You may think you know best, but critical thinking is all about learning too. Other people and colleagues might be able to provide a different perspective on a situation or idea. You don’t have to agree, but a different perspective could help you figure out the best outcomes and avoid being biased.
Write it Down
That’s right. Taking notes and writing down your ideas are a great way to make sense of the information you have. You can be as descriptive as you like or simply jot down bullet points. A visual representation is a great way to understand your thoughts.
Take a Step Back
Your critical thinking skills might not always be top notch. And that’s okay. There are plenty of factors that come into play when having to think critically to make a decision. Take a step back to clear your mind. You’ll feel fresh and ready to tackle your duties.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Advance Your Soft Skills With our Courses
Ready to improve your critical thinking skills? Then study our courses and learn top workplace skills. From matric programmes to our Diploma Courses, we have just what you need. Contact our course experts on how to get started with us. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27 – it’s free
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
