Applied Critical Thinking
6 Credits (ECTS)
Applied Critical Thinking
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
Module Description
Thoughts are with us all the time; it is not easy to switch off one’s thoughts since every waking moment human beings are going through a thinking process.
Thoughts can be constructive and destructive, thoughts can drive us to behave well or bad, therefore learning how to control and sift through thought is important for everyone especially a person in a managerial position.
Therefore, understanding the way one thinks and the way one organises thoughts is crucial to be able to do informed organised decision and to solve problems effectively.
The module aims to equip participants with techniques to manage their thought processes, enhancing their ability to lead and make strategic decisions.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:
• A related qualification at MQF Level 4
and/or
• One ‘A’ Level or equivalent and a pass in English Language*, Mathematics, and/or Business Studies at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
• Preference will also be given to applicants having 1 year work experience related to the study programme.
*In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course.
Target Audience
This course is targeted at:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Insurance.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the insurance profession.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate insurance related information.
Module / Unit Instructions
The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:
- Face to Face sessions
Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.
- Online Learning Activities
Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Additional Info
Reading for the entire B.Sc. in Insurance Studies as presented herein costs €9,000.*
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
*** For the price of individual modules, please contact the IDEA Academy team.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Determine the attitudes and skills required to think critically.
- Evaluate a given situation and determine the way critical thinking improves own execution of the task.
- Appraise own thoughts to ensure that the decision to be taken in ethical and moral.
- Build own critical thinking skills to enhance own ability at problem solving and decision making.
- Work more effectively with information and interpret it accurately.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Introduction to Critical Thinking.
- The Tools and Processes of Thinking.
- Familiarisation with Thinking Skills.
- Structure of Thinking and Arguments.
- Methods and Execution of Problem Solving.
- Ethics and Morality.
- Theories of the Great Greek Thinkers with regards to critical thinkers.
- The Traditionalist.
- Virtue Ethics.
- Critical Thinking Skills.
- From Critical to Creative Thinking.
- Mind Mapping.
- Brain Awareness in relation to Critical Thinking.
- The Power of Thought – Language and Thought.
- The Roles of Emotions in Thinking.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Use the 4 level of thought when faced with a business situation that requires a decision.
- Practice critical thinking to improve and enhance own thinking skills.
- Follow an established thinking process to critically evaluate a situation or decision.
- Employ virtue as a tool for success in life.
- Formulate own thoughts to have a clear picture and remove clutter.
- Practice in brainstorming activities for a creative flow of thoughts.
- Use a mind map as an organisational thinking tool.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
The learner will be able to:
- Identify the different types of thinking that one goes through in a given situation.
- Assess own thought to determine the way tradition impinges on the thinking process.
- Examine own self to become more familiar with own potentials and weaknesses.
- Evaluating evidence for and from alternative points of view.
- Recognise techniques used to add persuasive force in an argument.
- Determine the relationship between language and thought.
- Examine the way good critical thinking skills can benefit one in a management position.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Communicate ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Define the term critical thinking and its importance as a skill in management.
- Present a point of view in a convincing way to win a debate, argument, or discussion.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Illustrate the way the theories of the great Greek critical thinkers still apply and are relevant today.
- Explain the difference between data and information and how both aid in forming informed organised critical thinking.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.