4 Ways to Learn Critical Thinking or Project Management

BPI has created several modes for students to learn our critical thinking and project management processes. The following article will explain these different means and how they can be combined to enhance participant learning and the post-class application of the thinking processes. These various methods allow your organization to select the means that best meet your particular organization practices and time and delivery constraints. (One way to use some of the elements described is with geographically dispersed training populations. People who previously could not attend training due to the added inconvenience and expense of travel can now benefit from learning via CBT and the internet technology.)

There are four different instructional elements available from which to tailor a learning process for your organization.

  1. Standard Classroom Instruction Element

    All of BPI’s regular classroom sessions include

    • Instructor presentations and large group discussions
    • Participant practice on case studies in teams
    • Individual skill building exercises with large group discussion
    • Application of course methods to real job issues volunteered by participants with expert coaching

  2. Synchronous Web-Based Instruction Element

    Virtual classroom software is used to involve participants in online meetings. Instruction is segmented, typically, into 60-90 minute sessions. It is possible to meet as one large group or segment the class into virtual teams working together over the internet.

    The most common interactions include

    • Instructor centered presentations, examples & discussions
    • Participants practice exercises in virtual teams with instructor coaching
    • Key point real-time quiz questions with feedback and discussion

  3. Asynchronous CBT Instruction Element

    Programmed self-paced instructional modules are used to teach, test and remediate the basics of each concept. Available on CD and web-based access. Typical supplemental materials include:

    • pocket application booklet
    • forms CD
    • completion certificate

  4. Electronic Forms Element

    Individual BPI Excel templates are available for each thinking process. Each template includes a detailed form with a complete evaluation checklist.

    Common uses include

    • Job aide to apply the course concepts to real issues
    • Creation of documents for reports
    • Electronic coaching using the process checklist
    • Documentation of results

Blended Learning Examples

Following are five examples that have been used in organizations. This will give you an idea of how you could tailor delivery to best meet your organization’s needs.

Standard Workshop with Post-Test CBT

Blend elements 1+3 ›› Standard Classroom + Asynchronous CBT

  • Participants attend a standard workshop with major emphasis on using the processes in teams,
  • then complete the CBT modules to demonstrate their own individual mastery of key concepts.

Internet Meetings with CBT Lessons

Blend elements 2+3 ›› Synchronous Web-based Instruction + Asynchronous CBT

  • Participants attend a series of live internet classroom sessions,
  • and work between sessions using select CBT modules.

CBT Pre-Work with Classroom Meeting

Blend elements 3+1 ›› Asynchronous CBT + Classroom Instruction

  • Basic course concepts are taught using self-study CBT modules.
  • After this pre-work is completed, participants
    • attend a classroom meeting where they review concepts,
    • have team practice and
    • apply the processes to real job issues.
  • The instructor provides
    • specific coaching tips,
    • leads discussions, and
    • facilitates concept-to-job transfer.

Standard Workshop w/ Electronic Coaching

Blend elements 1+4 ›› Standard Classroom + Electronic Forms

  • Participants attend a standard workshop with major emphasis on using the processes in teams, then complete a number of job applications. These applications are submitted to a coach using the appropriate Excel workbook.
  • Both participant and coach make use of a checklist to evaluate process use.

CBT Pre-Work w/ Classroom Meeting & Electronic Coaching

Blend elements 3+1+4 ›› Asyncronous CBT + Standard Classroom + Electronic Forms

  • Basic course concepts are taught using self-study CBT modules.
  • Participants then attend an bridged workshop, practicing in teams using case studies and real job issues.
  • After completion of the workshop each participant is required to gain approval for a number of job applications using electronic forms submitted to an expert coach.
  • All results are documented. Analysis can then be accessed by others, creating a valuable knowledge management resource.

Summary

Does your organization have unique training needs that could use one or more of these various delivery modes? Please contact us to discuss possibilities. For information about our program content, click on the following for critical thinking content: Critical Thinking, Critical Thinking for Leaders, Systematic Problem Solving, Systematic Decision Making. For managing projects, click on Systematic Project Management.