Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving: In-House Training Two critical skillsets for the future of work are critical thinking and creative problem solving. These modes of working and thinking intersect and overlap; both are necessary and both can be taught. Having the ability to exercise creativity while at the same time applying structure and discipline to the thinking process is a key competency in the twenty-first century workplace. This course explores the interplay between critical and creative thinking, and the necessity of each to effective problem solving and decision making. Participants will learn a variety of techniques to apply critical thinking to real-life scenarios. They will experiment with different problem-solving approaches and will learn about cognitive influences on our decisions and choices. The course delves into the business value of creativity and involves participants in actively integrating criticality, creativity, and problem solving. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain basic concepts of problem solving Infer types of cognitive biases that impact decision making Utilize types of root cause analysis Differentiate among obstacles to sound decision making Apply a variety of problem-solving approaches / processes to existing challenges Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world problem scenarios to determine the lateral thinking type needed to address them Foundation Concepts Definitions Thinking modes and cognitive bias Basic problem-solving framework Problem Definition and Solution Generation Root cause analysis Basic problem-solving obstacles Generating alternative solutions Evaluating Alternatives Critical thinking guidelines Obstacles to sound decision making Tools for evaluating alternatives Exploring Lateral Thinking Problem-solving challenge Workplace application
Whether it is for your personal development, your own career or your business, this life-changing training is for everyone who would like to develop their skills such as communication, confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, flow-state and creativity – the future skills every human needs to master.
Subject content Students will draw upon a range of texts as reading stimulus and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. Students will have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. We can help students to read fluently and write effectively. Students will be able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts. For GCSE English Language students should: read fluently, and with good understanding, a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and journalism read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language listen to, and understand, spoken language and use spoken Standard English effectively. Texts GCSE English Language is designed on the basis that students should read and be assessed on high-quality, challenging texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Each text studied represents a substantial piece of writing, making significant demands on students in terms of content, structure and the quality of language. The texts, across a range of genres and types, support students in developing their own writing by providing effective models. The texts include literature and extended literary non-fiction, and other writing such as essays, reviews and journalism (both printed and online). We can provide assistance for everything you need to prepare students for exams, including: past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses exemplar student answers with examiner commentaries guidance in planning and writing cohesively high quality revision guides
This is an incredibly practical programme which has been developed to enable participants to improve their memory skills. The session focuses on specific techniques that can be used to improve retention of information. It also introduces the principles of mind-mapping By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain how our brain processes and stores information Describe the difference between short-term and long-term memory Use specific techniques to improve retention Explain the principles of mind mapping Be able to use mind maps to plan and order information Each participant, no matter how poor they believe their memory to be, will by the close of the session have learnt techniques that enable them to memorise 53 items in a prescriptive order - a massive boost to their confidence in their memory skills. 1 An introduction to the brain's functions Introductory brain-training How the brain works Left / right brain function Short-term and long-term memory Barriers to a good memory 2 Memory techniques Tips and techniques for improving memory Basic word association Chaining and linking Touchstone techniques Use of mnemonics Memory hooks Remembering names 3 Maximising memory Minimising barriers The importance of sleep and diet Supplements which may affect memory 4 Mind-mapping Purpose and principles Creating a mind map Use of colour to delight the eye and tickle the brain How to use the output from a map
Some text goes here
This is an essential programme for managers or members of staff (or students) who need to be able to read and summarise information on screen faster and more effectively. The session focuses on the different types of reading style and encourages better retention of written material through the use of specific speed-reading techniques. By the end of this programme participants will be able to: Explain the principles of speed reading Understand the barriers to reading Use different reading styles according to the information being read Read more effectively from tablet and computer screens Co-ordinate eye movements better Minimise any poor reading habits Increase reading speed by over 50%, without losing comprehension Improve retention of information using specific techniques The programme focuses on how to maximise reading from electronic devices by exploring techniques which will reduce eyestrain and improve reading effectiveness. The session also explains different types of reading styles and how to learn new, positive reading habits. 1 An introduction to speed reading The history of speed reading Assumptions about reading The process of reading Schema and its influence on interpretation Eye/brain relationship How our brain processes written information 2 Minimising barriers to reading Understanding eye tics Mouthing The influence of different light sources Body clocks and making use of natural patterns 3 Reading styles Importance of choosing the right reading style Speeds and their influence on retention Reading for pleasure Proof reading Scanning Skimming Reading for retention SQRW principles 4 Reading from electronic devices The challenge of reading from screens Importance of breaks and proper display screen evaluation Calibrating screens and background colours Formatting documents Using eye guides
CPD Accredited, Interactive Short Course 2 or 3.5 hour hr sessions What are the autistic spectrum disorder, autism and asperger's syndrome? How can you best understand, and thus help, those affected? Course Contents of the shorter course: What is ASD Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Understanding those on the Spectrum How to approach and help those on the Autistic Spectrum Great for teachers and TAs in schools, and for those working in care with older people with ASD Benefits of this Short Course: About 1% of the population is thought to be on the Autistic Spectrum That is several children per nursery and primary school and a significant amount of young people in secondary schools Many with Asperger's Syndrome will also go to university The way they experience the world is very different to 'neuro-typical' people Understanding their condition helps to support them and give them the best chance