Critical Thinking and GenAI

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Course overview

This Critical Thinking and GenAI course examines how the way you perceive information can influence your judgement. Across two interactive, expert-led workshops, you’ll explore thinking traps, cognitive biases and a seven-step critical thinking process, while learning where GenAI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can assist your thinking.

Sharpen your judgement and get more from AI

Develop the critical thinking skills to make more informed decisions and approach workplace challenges with greater confidence. On this course, you’ll discover how cognitive biases and common thinking traps can affect your decisions, as well as understand how AI can act as a sounding board to challenge your ideas.

Learning objectives

Understand how human thinking influences judgement and decision-making
Recognise cognitive biases and common thinking traps that can affect your decisions
Challenge assumptions and consider different perspectives to improve your critical thinking
Apply a practical seven-step approach to critical thinking in everyday workplace situations
Use questioning techniques to identify the root causes of problems and explore potential solutions
Evaluate information more objectively, distinguishing between facts, opinions and assumptions
Use generative AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, to challenge your thinking and support more informed decision-making
Assess potential risks and anticipate challenges before putting decisions into action

What you'll learn

See what sits behind your first response to a problem and learn when it deserves a second look. You’ll examine how perception, assumptions and cognitive biases affect your reasoning, before applying practical critical thinking techniques to situations from your own work.

Understanding how we think and make decisions

Discover how your brain interprets information and why your first instinct isn't always the most reliable. You'll explore the differences between fast and slow thinking, examining how cognitive biases can influence your judgement without you realising it. By recognising common thinking traps, you'll develop greater awareness of your own thought processes and learn when to question your initial conclusions.

Developing a structured approach to critical thinking

Work through a seven-step critical thinking process using situations from your own work. You’ll use techniques including Socratic questioning, the Five Whys, root cause analysis and systems thinking to clarify what you are trying to achieve, examine assumptions and define the problem before deciding how to respond.

Using GenAI to strengthen your thinking

Use GenAI as a sparring partner rather than a substitute for your own judgement. You’ll see how tools such as Microsoft Copilot can help you summarise information, test assumptions, investigate root causes and consider opposing views. You’ll also examine why AI-generated responses still need to be questioned and checked.

Making better decisions and applying your learning

Compare possible solutions using logical reasoning and consider both their immediate and longer-term implications. You’ll also use premortem analysis to identify what could go wrong before taking action. After the workshops, a 90-minute review session gives you time to discuss what you tried at work, what worked and what you want to practise next.

What's included

One day instructor-led training
90-minute post-training review and support session

Key facts

Certification

This is a skills and knowledge-based course with no formal accreditation.

Who it’s for

Professionals who want to strengthen their critical thinking skills and make more effective use of generative AI in their work

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Exam information

There is no exam for this course.

Optional extras

There are no optional extras for this course.

Pre-course

There are no required pre-course materials for this course

FAQs

Find answers about the Critical Thinking and GenAI course, including what you’ll learn, who it’s designed for, how GenAI is used and what to expect from the two workshops and follow-up session.

What is critical thinking and why is it important in the workplace?

Critical thinking is the ability to assess information objectively and question assumptions before reaching a conclusion. In the workplace, it helps you identify potential problems and make more informed decisions. Developing this skill can improve how you approach complex challenges, particularly when working with large amounts of information or using AI-generated content.

How can generative AI improve critical thinking and decision-making?

GenAI can give you another way to interrogate a problem. During the course, you’ll explore how tools such as Microsoft Copilot can help test assumptions, summarise information, investigate causes and argue an opposing case. You remain responsible for checking the information and deciding whether its suggestions stand up to scrutiny.

Do I need previous experience with generative AI to take this course?

No previous GenAI experience is required. The course focuses on using AI alongside practical critical thinking techniques rather than developing advanced technical skills. You’ll see examples of how tools such as Microsoft Copilot and other LLMs can be used during different stages of the critical thinking process.

How is the ILX Critical Thinking and GenAI course delivered?

The course is delivered through two interactive, expert-led workshops, each lasting 3.5 hours. You'll participate in group discussions and practical exercises that relate to your own workplace experiences. This is followed up by a further 90-minute review and support session which provides an opportunity to reflect on how you've applied the techniques.

What our customers say

"Great - prompt to answer and friendly and helpful."

Liz Jewsbury, ILX learner

"It was one of the most interactive training sessions I've ever attended. The concepts were explained in a simple manner but with exceptional clarity.”

Subhiksha Devi Rajendran, ILX learner

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