1. Critical Thinking and Writing ES1531/GEK1549/GET1021
17 August, 2015
Objectives:
Get to know one another
Understand what critical thinking is, and its relevance for engineering
Understand the framework of this course (course information)

2. Ice Breaker Get into groups of four. Everyone, introduce yourself.
Someone in the group must visit random.org. Choose max: 14.
Click “Generate”. This is your question number. If you cannot think of an answer, you can click “Generate” one more time. Now you must answer the first or second question.

3. Questions What was the best thing that happened to you this weekend?
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? Why?
If you could have been told one thing that you weren't told when you were a teenager, what would you like to have heard?
Name your favorite song.
What was the weirdest food you've ever eaten?
If you were given 24 hours to live, what would you do?
What do you think is the best gift in the world?
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?
What is the first thing you think of when you wake in the morning?
What is your concept of a fruitful day?
If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
If you could be an ice cream flavor, what would it be? Why?
If you had to be a teacher of something, what would you teach?
What did you like best about your hometown?

4. How to conduct a small group discussion ?
Chairman / discussion coordinator
Spokesperson – this person speaks first, and the others supplement
Scribe – takes notes, may share these notes with other members at the end of the discussion
These positions should rotate. 1 to 2; 2 to 3; and 3 to 1  

5. Critical Thinking Quotes
Paraphrase the quote.
What does it tell you about critical thinking?

6. Critical Thinking Definitions
Look at 1, 2, 3 and 4:
What do you learn about critical thinking?
What questions do you have?

7. Critical Thinking for Engineering
What does an engineer in your field (Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering etc.) do?
What skills are needed to perform your job? Are they similar to those mentioned in the article on A global engineer for the global community?

8. Activity D Join the class Google Community.
Think about the five questions in Activity D.
Post one answer or respond to another student’s answer.

9. Course Information
Refer to pdf

10. Weekly Checklist
Download and read through the materials for each lesson (e. g. Tutorial 2)
Complete the assignments for each week.
Actively participate in class by being prepared, asking questions, volunteering answers and reflecting on your learning.
Note well: This is a four-credit course. Hence you are expected to complete six hours of outside work in addition to four hour of class every week.

11. Critical Thinking Video
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