Life Enrichment Course: Critical Thinking Module - Evaluating Information & Sources (2 of 13)
Adults
·
Learning
In a world overflowing with information, opinions, and distractions, the ability to think clearly, question wisely, and make sound decisions is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Critical thinking empowers our minds to cut through noise, resist manipulation, and approach challenges with logic, creativity, and confidence. These are skills that have far reaching value, shaping smarter choices in relationships, careers, and everyday life. This program equips participants with the foundational tools of critical thinking, teaching them to analyze arguments, spot biases, solve problems systematically, and communicate ideas with clarity and reason. Students will develop a sharper, more independent mindset—one that questions assumptions, weighs evidence, and embraces thoughtful decision-making.
Key Focus Areas:
Foundations of Critical Thinking What it means to think critically and why it matters.
Analyzing Information – How to evaluate sources, identify biases, and separate fact from opinion.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making - Structured approaches to tackle challenges and avoid impulsive judgments.
Effective Communication – Building logical arguments and engaging in productive discussions.
Real-World Application - Using critical thinking to navigate media, ethics, and everyday choices.
Self-Awareness & Growth – Recognizing personal thinking habits and improving reasoning skills.
By the end of this course, participants will have the confidence and skills to think more deeply, decide more wisely, and engage with the world in a more discerning and intentional way.
Topics:
1. Introduction: Critical vs. Non-Critical Thinking and the Role of Curiosity - Emotional vs. logical responses, and the power of curiosity.
2. Evaluating Information & Sources - Spotting biases, verifying credibility, and dissecting media/propaganda.
3. Logical Fallacies & Cognitive Pitfalls - Common reasoning errors and cognitive distortions
4. Separating Fact from Opinion - Identifying evidence vs. assumptions in news, social media, and debates.
5. Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving - Brainstorming, lateral thinking, and step-by-step problem-solving frameworks.
6. Decision-Making: Pressure, Pros & Cons - Balancing logic/emotion and avoiding impulsive choices
7. Building Strong Arguments - Using evidence, logic, and persuasive techniques for debates, essays, discussions
8. Ethical Dilemmas & Moral Reasoning - "Would you lie to protect someone?" - Practicing nuanced judgment
9. Financial & Consumer Critical Thinking - Scams, advertising tricks, and rational spending habits.
10. Metacognition: Thinking About Thinking - Self-awareness in reasoning and identifying personal biases
11. Debate & Active Listening – Practicing constructive disagreement.
12. Real-World Applications of Critical Thinking – having Socratic discussions on current events
13. Future-Proofing Your Mind – Adapting critical thinking to new challenges
Key Focus Areas:
Foundations of Critical Thinking What it means to think critically and why it matters.
Analyzing Information – How to evaluate sources, identify biases, and separate fact from opinion.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making - Structured approaches to tackle challenges and avoid impulsive judgments.
Effective Communication – Building logical arguments and engaging in productive discussions.
Real-World Application - Using critical thinking to navigate media, ethics, and everyday choices.
Self-Awareness & Growth – Recognizing personal thinking habits and improving reasoning skills.
By the end of this course, participants will have the confidence and skills to think more deeply, decide more wisely, and engage with the world in a more discerning and intentional way.
Topics:
1. Introduction: Critical vs. Non-Critical Thinking and the Role of Curiosity - Emotional vs. logical responses, and the power of curiosity.
2. Evaluating Information & Sources - Spotting biases, verifying credibility, and dissecting media/propaganda.
3. Logical Fallacies & Cognitive Pitfalls - Common reasoning errors and cognitive distortions
4. Separating Fact from Opinion - Identifying evidence vs. assumptions in news, social media, and debates.
5. Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving - Brainstorming, lateral thinking, and step-by-step problem-solving frameworks.
6. Decision-Making: Pressure, Pros & Cons - Balancing logic/emotion and avoiding impulsive choices
7. Building Strong Arguments - Using evidence, logic, and persuasive techniques for debates, essays, discussions
8. Ethical Dilemmas & Moral Reasoning - "Would you lie to protect someone?" - Practicing nuanced judgment
9. Financial & Consumer Critical Thinking - Scams, advertising tricks, and rational spending habits.
10. Metacognition: Thinking About Thinking - Self-awareness in reasoning and identifying personal biases
11. Debate & Active Listening – Practicing constructive disagreement.
12. Real-World Applications of Critical Thinking – having Socratic discussions on current events
13. Future-Proofing Your Mind – Adapting critical thinking to new challenges
Meet Our Instructor
Suraiya Essof
Suraiya Essof is a social impact entrepreneur and educator with a passion for lifelong learning, well-being, and social change. She has a Commerce degree in Industrial Psychology and a postgraduate in education, and has been working in the education field since 2002. She is currently teaching English and Business Leadership in the Ontario Secondary School Diploma program and trains and lectures at various leadership academies. She is also a teacher trainer for Cambridge University Press. In 2014, Suraiya founded Kites for Peace, a global movement for peace that uses kite flying as a tool for social change. She represents her country in kite festivals around the world and has worked with young people in Zimbabwe and beyond. Suraiya is also the co-founder and coordinator of the Zimbabwe Cares Network, a charity network of over 150 organizations that work to improve the lives of people in her country. She is passionate about promoting charity collaboration and volunteering as a means for social innovation. In 2020, Suraiya was profiled by the Guardian UK as one of "20 Outstanding Women of Zimbabwe."