Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is often cited by child welfare supervisors and leaders as one of the most important skills a social worker can have – but how many of us have a clear definition of what “critical thinking” means or what it looks like in practice? The conversation typically ends there, without a clear definition or steps to help build it. This course will provide a tangible framework for understanding and applying critical thinking in a child welfare context. Learn the elements of thought, intellectual standards, ethical traits of critical thinking, and how to recognize common types of bias in ourselves and others. Join us to learn practical steps to increase your own critical thinking and help others increase theirs.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the elements of thought (purpose, questions, information, inferences/conclusions, concepts, assumptions, implications/consequences and points of view) and their critical importance in child welfare decision-making
  • Apply intellectual standards (clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, breadth, depth, logic, significance and fairness) and ask questions to help drive critical thinking in alignment with these standards
  • Recognize common types of bias that affect ability to think critically and cause errors in reasoning and decision making in child welfare.
Course Code
505012