Critical Thinking for Clear Writing: An Introduction

Credits CPEs: 14|CEUs: 1.4

Level Overview/Introductory

Delivery Method(s): Classroom, Virtual

Who Should Attend

All Federal civilian and military employees and contractors who want to learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and writing.

Additional Information

Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: None

CPE Field of Study: Communications

What You Will Learn

This workshop provides an innovative approach to improving the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for effective workplace writings. The workshop is presented in two parts.

PART 1 is devoted to critical thinking. Many researchers assert that "thinking is the neglected part of the writing process-- in theory and practice". The critical thinking component will help you:

• Review and distinguish elements of the thinking process--how it begins and factors that influence the thought process.
  
  
• Identify characteristics of critical thinkers.
  
  
• Discover your own thinking style preference.
  
  
• Conduct a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of your critical thinking skills.
   
• Identify, understand, and evaluate fallacies of inductive and deductive reasoning and various types of assumptions, arguments, and claims.
  
  
• Identify barriers to critical thinking.
  
  
• Recognize how thinking influences writing.
  
  
• Develop and implement an Action Plan to jump start the writing process.
  
  
• Use diverse exercises and activities to practice critical thinking as a first step to effective writing.

PART 2 focuses on the essentials of clear writing. Participants will be able to:

• Examine and use all aspects of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and proofreading).
   
• Review and utilize three models of the writing process.
   
• Organize thoughts and generate content.
   
• Use sentence variety, develop effective paragraphs, and use transitional phrases for coherence.
   
• Use appropriate style, tone, and choice of words for clarity.
   
• Process, digest, and use 10 Principles of Clear Writing.
   
• Practice editing and proofing.
   
• Write emails, memos, correspondence, and informal reports using the tips, techniques, and tools presented throughout the course.
   
• Return to work ready to demonstrate the wealth of knowledge you have gained !!!

Why You Should Attend

Clear thinking leads to clear writing.  In this course, you will learn how to research and gather information, apply critical thinking and analysis, anticipate questions, draw conclusions, and logically communicate your message.