Analyzing and Problem Solving Skills

1. Critical
Thinking
& Problem
Solving
Dr. Rubilyn B. Sumaylo, RN, MSN, LPT

2. What is Critical
Thinking ???

3. “Critical Thinking is reasonable
reflective thinking focused on
deciding what to believe or do.”
“Critical Thinking is best understood
as the ability of thinkers to take
charge of their own thinking.”

4. PROCESS OF CRITICAL THINKING

5. Inform & Describe
What you already know
Information you have
about the issue
 Clarify
What you need to know

6. Discover &
Explore
● Look at your issue more closely
● Start to be more directed and
purposeful in seeking information

7. Negotiate & Cooperate
Look at your issue more closely
Start to be more directed and
purposeful in seeking information

8. Test & Revise
Weigh the evidence
Test out different ideas

9. Integrate & Apply
Bring together various ideas
Consolidate and articulate new
understandings

11. Improving Your Critical Thinking
Be curious and
observant
Always ask, “How can
this be done better?”
Seek out ideas—
old and new
- Read books, periodicals,
articles, etc.
- Experiment, brainstorm, have
discussions, attend exhibits
Apply ideas to every
facet of your life
Be open minded
and flexible
- Look at situation through the
eyes of a child
- Keep asking, “why”

12. Improving Your Critical Thinking
Build your knowledge
and intuition base
- Daydream about the
situation
- Jump between logical,
imaginative, and wild
thinking
Ask good questions
- Constantly reflect on each
aspect
- Who, what, where, when,
why, how, if, etc.
Develop your reflective
thinking skills
Use triggers
- Find the time and place that
help you think best
- Learn how to research and
visualize

13. Good Critical Thinkers:
Separate facts from opinions and assumptions
Apply what they learn to new
situations
Focus on the most
relevant information
Ask the right questions
Make sound decisions
Set priorities
Learn quickly

14. Problem
Solving

15. is an intentional and reflective
way of looking at things or
circumstances
focuses on a specific
situation
Difference???
Critical Thinking Problem Solving

16. Problem
Solving ???
● is a mental process that
involves discovering,
analyzing, and solving
problems to overcome
obstacles and find a solution
that best resolves the issue.”
Start to be more directed and
purposeful in seeking
information

17. Decision Making Process

18. The Process
Try and figure out exactly
what your problem is, and
write a problem statement
• It helps to think of what
you have but don’t want, or
what you want but don’t
have
Once you’ve found the
cause, think of all possible
solutions
Brainstorm all possible
causes of the problem
• Attempt to get to the
very root cause
• Use your inner child;
keep asking “why?”
The
Situation
The Causes
Possible
Solutions
Using your list of
possible solutions,
evaluate all the possible
consequences of each
solution
Consequences

19. The Process
Choose the best solution
based on what is most
practical
• Look at effectiveness
• How much risk does the
proposed solution carry?
• Does it fit within your
budget?
Always check back to
see how your solution is
working
• Revise your plans as
needed
The
Solution
Review Results/
Revise

20. Decision Making Checklist
Do I have all the
information I need?
Have I considered all
possible solutions?
Does it violate any of
my values?
Will my decision
help me meet my
goals?
Have I considered all
the consequences?
Can I live with the
consequences?

21. Learning from my
Decision
What could be done
differently?
What did not go well?
What went well?
Think about:

22. “You are free to choose, but the
choices you make today will
determine what you will have,
be and do in the tomorrow of
your life.”
—Zig Ziglar

23. Be objective—think critically
Use your tools
Think both short-term and long-term
Check with others when decisions
may affect them
Stay focused
Use your values and goals as a
compass
FINAL
THOUGHTS

25. QUESTIONS???

26. CREDITS: This presentation template was created by
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