Critical Thinking Training Course

Introduction to Critical Thinking for Government

• What is critical thinking?
• Importance of critical thinking in personal and professional life, particularly within government roles
• Common barriers to effective thinking in public sector contexts

Understanding Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies for Government

• Types of cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making in the public sector
• Recognizing and avoiding logical fallacies to enhance governance and accountability
• Strategies to minimize bias in thinking for government officials

Critical Thinking Techniques and Frameworks for Government

• Socratic questioning method for probing deeper into issues
• Using the RED Model (Recognize assumptions, Evaluate arguments, Draw conclusions) for structured analysis
• Root cause analysis and the 5 Whys technique for identifying underlying problems

Applying Critical Thinking to Decision-Making for Government

• Decision-making models and frameworks relevant to public sector workflows
• Evaluating evidence and sources critically to inform policy and operational decisions
• Balancing intuition and analysis in decisions to ensure well-rounded outcomes

Problem-Solving Strategies for Government

• Identifying and defining problems effectively within government contexts
• Brainstorming techniques for generating creative solutions to public challenges
• Evaluating and selecting the best solutions to address complex issues

Real-World Applications and Case Studies for Government

• Analyzing case studies using critical thinking tools to improve public sector performance
• Group activities to solve complex scenarios relevant to government operations
• Reflecting on personal decision-making experiences in a governmental setting

Summary and Next Steps for Government