HU2000: Week 1 Assignment
1
© Ultimate Medical Academy.
What is critical thinking and why is it
an important skill to develop for career success?
This assignment helps you apply your knowledge from this week’s modules
and readings.
Critical thinking skills are needed to solve problems, make decisions, and
create new knowledge. The 21st century is complex, fast-paced, and ever-
changing. Individuals who are successful in the 21st century are critical
thinkers. A critical thinker engages in higher-order mental processes like
interpretation, analysis, prediction, and evaluation.
The Power of Critical Thinking
Answer the questions below. Critical thinking is a purposeful and reflective process of making reasoned
judgments about what to believe and what to do.
1. Provide an example of a time when you engaged in critical thinking to solve a problem or make a
decision.
There was a time I needed to decide as to either I had to miss work or spend my last to get my
daughter to the babysitter. I had to make the decision that would benefit me and my child.
2. Explain how critical thinking led to a positive result in the example above.
I had works something out with babysitter and she was able to come get her and I could have paid her
when I got paid that week. So, I didn’t have to miss work and my child was taken care of.
3. In approximately 450 B.C. the Greek philosopher stated, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Explain in your own words what he meant by this statement.
Type answer here
4. Is this statement above still relevant today? Using your own words and ideas explain why or why
not.
Type answer here
50
5. Think of an example of a time during the last month when you should have used critical thinking skills
but did not.
a. What was the result?
I could have used my critical thinking when it comes to getting more homework done but I didn’t
because I have been working constantly and, on my days, off, I just sleep all day. The result is that
my work has been behind, and I have to stay up a little later just to catch up.
b. Explain how using critical thinking skills would have changed the result.
If I would have used critical thinking, I could have been doing homework on my off days and days I
got off maybe a little earlier in the day so I could get a bit more work done.
Critical Thinking Mindset and Skills
Answer the questions below using information found in your textbook and modules.
6. List a long-term goal you have set for yourself.
I set a goal to have finish college and have a career I enjoy.
