NSW Public Sector Grades 9-10 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical thinking and problem solving as a key priority in the NPS

- Review the current context and landscape

- Why problem-solving has been identified as a top skilling priority across all levels of the NPS

- How critical thinking provides the necessary lens to frame problems rationally and produce evidence-based solutions

- How problem-solving ability could drive your career advancement

Unpacking critical thinking techniques

- The cognitive principles, tools and strategies essential to critical thinking

- Review critical thinking tools and take stock of our own limitations and strengths

- Learn how to objectively collect and evaluate evidence

Problem-solving methods and key tools

- Review common types of problems

- Use root cause analysis

- Explore how Systems Thinking provides clarity

- Create a process map to provide clarity around the problem

- Creative problem-solving techniques and activities 

 Working with others on problem-solving

- Facilitate a shared understanding of issues and problems 

- Learn to prepare and present powerful evidence-based arguments and solutions

- Resolve conflict and challenges in group problem solving

- Cognitive biases, ideological conflict, and problems arising in groups

Understanding the problem

- Agree on the reality of the problem

- Evaluate problem impacts

- Consider solution criteria and problem-solving deliverables

Identifying and evaluating possible solutions

- Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, impact and risk

- Approach complex or ‘wicked problems’

- Review tools, priorities and resources available

Problem-solving in action

- View problem-solving as a systematic process and use critical thinking at each step:

- Analyse variables, identify root causes, and understand interdependencies

- Design possible solutions, explore opportunities, and consider different actions

- Decide on the implementation plan

- Monitor progress, learn from results, and evaluate effectiveness

Enhancing your critical thinking skills

- Wrap up discussion on key themes

- Reflect on what you will do differently

- Develop your action plan to implement on your return to work