Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Origin: EC115
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Integrating Career Readiness into Your Courses: Part I -->Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Very interesting ways to make the students interact in the class and at the same time learn with emotion
Reflecting on this module, it was incredibly validating to see a formal framework applied to concepts I’ve stood by for years. The biggest takeaway for me was the emphasis on written communication as a true marker of student proficiency. It’s one thing for a student to perform a mechanical task, but their ability to put pen to paper and clearly articulate what they’ve learned—and then expand on that knowledge—shows a much higher level of mastery.
The module also reinforced the necessity of collaborative work. In our industry, being a "lone wolf" isn't a reality; group communication is a non-negotiable skill for professional success. Seeing these truths confirmed has given me a second wind to keep pushing these elements in my day-to-day curriculum building.
Moving forward, I’m doubling down on this in my lab build-outs. I want to ensure that every assignment doesn’t just check a technical box, but also requires students to document their process and communicate effectively with their peers. It’s rewarding to know that the methods I’ve found successful over the years are exactly where educational standards are heading.
Critical thinking is the ultimate survival tool for our students, and this module really drove home why it’s non-negotiable in a modern trade environment. While we often prioritize technical proficiency, it’s the ability to analyze and adapt that ensures success in both their professional careers and personal lives. In an industry that moves as fast as ours, rote memorization isn't enough; we have to intentionally design our curriculum and assignments to challenge students to think deeper.
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy as a framework is a game-changer for course design. By starting with foundational knowledge like understanding and systematically scaffolding up to higher-order levels—where students can analyze complex systems or evaluate safety risks—we provide a clear roadmap for mastery. This structured approach ensures we aren't just teaching them how to follow a manual, but how to synthesize information and solve real-world problems. Focusing on these often-overlooked "soft" skills is exactly what will set our graduates apart in an ever-changing world.
I learned what the top 5 employability skills employers find are lacking in professionals today. Critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, collaboration and diversity are extremely important skills to have in the workplace. Teachers are intentional to build this into lessons but I think finding more ways that students can see the translation is the important piece.
The difference between comprehension and evaluation was a useful summary.
Verbal/Written Communications (I hope I'm posting this comment in the correct place):
I learned ways to teach about verbal and written communication. As a business owner and professional myself, I understand the importance of communicating effectively.
In my CTE Photography class we create websites. I have students write an "About Me" page. I will take the part about "thinking about your audience" and use it as a prompt when they are writing for this page. For business owners (students), knowing who you are targeting will help guide your writing. If you're desire is to draw in senior portrait clients, the way you write will be different than if you are wanting to work weddings (or any other photography genre).
Something I think about often, is students' ability to communicate THEMSELVES in the future. I'm concerned about students and humans in general becoming too reliant on using AI to think and communicate for them. AI can be a helpful tool, but I worry that our own communication skills will wane (in addition to the other environmental and job availability concerns that AI poses).
I learned new learning techniques to use in class with students to promote critical thinking. Building a Silent Poster, K-W-L, Barometer, and written dialogue. I'm always looking for new ways to present learning opportunities, and I'm grateful for the introduction to the four new techniques.
I also liked that open-mindedness was discussed in this module. Open-mindedness is a great quality to have as an employee, as an employer, as well as in relationships.
I learned that critical thinking is a formal and calculated process that promotes creativity. Being able to expand critical thinking in more than one area promotes personal growth.
It is so important for students to learn critical thinking skills and how to apply them in their jobs/careers and also life in general. These are skills that need to be taught and practiced.
I feel that I'm teaching critical thinking by not providing the "answers" to the students when they are building something, but make them struggle through it a bit. But, that doesn't always work for the less strong critical thinkers. I like the suggestions that can help develop those skills for example, the chart discussed where the ihe instructor creates three charts entitled: “What I Know,” “What I Want to Know,” and “What I Learned.” These charts are hung on the wall and the students then write on the charts based on their knowledge. This scaffolding is a great idea.
From this module, I learned that effective teamwork and collaboration are not just about working together, but about building trust, communicating clearly, and understanding group dynamics. The stages of teamwork—forming, storming, norming, and performing—help explain why teams sometimes struggle at first and how they can grow into productive units. I also realized the importance of managing group culture, setting clear roles, and encouraging open communication to avoid misunderstandings.
In terms of application, I plan to be more intentional when working in teams by actively listening to others, contributing ideas respectfully, and helping resolve conflicts when they arise. I will also focus on establishing clear goals and expectations early in group projects to improve efficiency. Additionally, I will apply these skills in both academic and professional settings, as strong collaboration is essential for success in any field.
Overall, this module helped me understand that successful teamwork requires effort, communication, and mutual respect, and I will carry these lessons into future group experiences.
In this module, I gained a deeper understanding of verbal and written communication as essential components of career readiness. I learned that effective communication is not just about conveying information clearly, but also about adapting messages to different audiences, contexts, and purposes.
The “why the need” section emphasized how strong communication skills are critical in professional environments, where clarity, tone, and structure can impact collaboration, decision-making, and overall success. I also found the practical applications especially useful, as they demonstrated how structured activities—such as presentations, discussions, and written assignments—can help students develop these skills.
In this module, I developed a clearer understanding of career readiness and its connection to critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I learned that career readiness goes beyond technical knowledge—it includes the ability to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Critical thinking is learning.
One of the most important things to develop in students is critical thinking, as this a crucial part of success in the work environment. An instructor can foster critical thinking skills by using strategies like silent reflection, KWL or KW, and other group activities.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential tools for students in both their studies and their experiences. These tools are skills that will help them in the classroom, the workplace, and in their personal lives. Most of this is about management: life management, time management, study management.
We use several tools for engagement, with parameters built in that allow for critical thinking, and room to solve problems constructively.
I gained a deeper understanding of adult learning principles. Students learn best when expectations are clearly communicated, feedback is timely and specific, and mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than failures.
So important to remember that memorization does not show understanding of the content. Critical thinking must be used.
I learned that integrating critical thinking into a course requires intentional design. Instead of focusing only on content delivery, we should create opportunities for students to wrestle with real-world problems, ambiguity, and multiple possible solutions. Strategies such as case studies, scenario-based learning, project-based assignments, and guided reflection can push students beyond memorization toward application and analysis.
