This course is part of the Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization

Diane Davidson

Offered By

Professional Skills for the Workplace SpecializationUniversity of California, Davis

About this Course

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Have you ever tried to find a solution to a problem only to realize you’ve been focusing on the wrong problem from the very beginning? Or you’ve proposed a solution only to have it shut down by your boss or coworkers? How stressful and defeating is that? With massive changes in our world that seem to create the most difficult of circumstances, both personally and professionally, your skills as a critical thinker and problem solver need to be further developed now more than ever.  
By the end of this course you will have learned and memorized a practical model to solve problems on your own and with others. These 7 critical steps will ensure that you have looked at a problem from every angle and considered multiple solutions. In fact, this dynamic and holistic approach will help you solve problems once and for all!

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 4 in the

Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

At least 1-2 years of experience.

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

Apply critical thinking skills to complex problems.

Apply a model for solving problems and pose questions to further understanding of specific problems.

Skills you will gain

Critical ThinkingDecision-MakingProblem SolvingBrainstorming

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 4 in the

Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

At least 1-2 years of experience.

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Diane Davidson

Certified Stakeholder Centered Coach & Instructor

Continuing and Professional Education

214 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

University of California, Davis

UC Davis, one of the nation’s top-ranked research universities, is a global leader in agriculture, veterinary medicine, sustainability, environmental and biological sciences, and technology. With four colleges and six professional schools, UC Davis and its students and alumni are known for their academic excellence, meaningful public service and profound international impact.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Getting Started and Introduction to Problem Solving

In this module, you will be able to apply a model for solving any problem, large or small, in a creative and collaborative way. You will also be able to identify all aspects of a problem and examine role in the problem. You will be able to reframe a goal oriented question.

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 27 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

5 videos

Introduction to Problem Solving4m

Why So Many Problems?6m

Kinetic Memorization3m

Identify the Problem6m

Reframe6m

2 readings

A Note From UC Davis10m

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Brainstorming and Analyzing Options

In this module, you will be able to brainstorm solutions to your possible problem. You will choose 3 possible options and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each option. You will be able to generate more effective solutions.

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 21 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

5 videos

Module Introduction4m

Individual vs. Group Brainstorming4m

Brainstorming Guidelines4m

Choose 33m

Advantages and Disadvantages5m

2 readings

Brainstorm Using Jamboard10m

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Recommending and Engaging Feedback

In this module, you will be able to explore your own triggers and how they may show up in our reactions. You'll be able to identify potential responses that could trigger negative reactions. You will be able to prepare and make a recommendation to your problem. You will also be able to engage in feedback.

2 hours to complete

6 videos (Total 20 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

6 videos

Introduction to Prepare and Recommend1m

Prepare and Recommend Example2m

Applying Your Recommendation3m

Be and Avoid5m

Engage Feedback3m

Course Summary and Wrap-up3m

1 reading

About the Professional Skills for the Workplace Specialization

This Specialization is intended for working professionals early in their career and for organizations who look to improve interpersonal relationship skills among their employees, clients, and customers.

Through four courses, you will explore the use of emotional and social intelligence, practice a formula for problem solving, cultivate a growth mindset, and build skills related to adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing environment. These skills show up in business relationships and communication and ultimately impact professional effectiveness. You will be able to demonstrate sound judgment by engaging in critical thinking to reach decisions and solve problems independently. You will be able to develop a competitive advantage by learning, adapting, and harnessing insights from past endeavors. You will assess your own expectations in your current or anticipated work roles and settings, and how those may align with or differ from what is required by employers and other stakeholders now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Critical Thinking Skills for the Professional