Fostering Critical Thinking Skills
ENLIGHT joint course incl. an onsite week in Bratislava
University education aims to introduce critical thinking by dissecting complex ideas and questioning assumptions. In a collaborative project involving the Comenius University Bratislava, University of Göttingen, and Université de Bordeaux, students will virtually and then in-person analyze global topics like sustainability and innovation. Embracing a challenge-based education approach, this course goes beyond traditional methods, fostering a hands-on approach to problem-solving and encouraging participants to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The course focuses on developing critical thinking skills and fostering effective online and in-person communication through a Ted-Talk style presentation.
About the course
The fundamental goal of a university education is to engage in a critical analysis of information for knowledge generation. Across various fields of study, students encounter the daily task of breaking down complex ideas to grasp fundamental principles and solve problems. Acquiring the skill of critical thinking is crucial for this purpose, allowing us to question assumptions, identify knowledge gaps, and explore multiple perspectives beyond conventional boundaries. International collaborations serve as a potent tool to enhance critical thinking by broadening perspectives and worldviews, challenging preconceptions, and biases.In a collaborative effort between the Institute of Medical Terminology and Foreign Language (IMTFL), at the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University Bratislava, the Université de Bordeaux, and University of Göttingen, this intensive project-based course aims to unite students from the partner universities – initially virtually and later in-person.
The objective is to analyze a current global topic of their choosing, such as sustainability, activism, innovation, urban planning, and equality.
The primary goals of the course encompass the development of essential critical thinking skills and the attainment of seamless communication both online and in person. As part of this collaborative international project, participants will work collaboratively to prepare, develop, and deliver a Ted-Talk style speech on their selected topic. The course will culminate in valuable discussions on the chosen subjects and profound reflection on effective intercultural communication.
Learning Outcomes
Program
Assessment
Oral presentation of the selected topic & discussion about symposium outcomes
Lecturers
Laura Syms (ZESS) University of Göttingen
Smita Raman-Gyetvai (ZESS) University of Göttingen
Focus area
Climate Change – Digitalization – Energy and Circular Economy – Equity – Global Engagement – Health and Well-being
Host
Comenius University Bratislava
Course dates
Virtual: 21 October – 22 November 2024 and 02 December – 06 December 2024
Face-to-face: 25 November – 30 November
3 ECTS
How to apply?
Interested? Please let us know your motivation to join this international collaboration project by submitting a motivation letter, your CV, transcript of records, and proof of at least a B2 level of English. (Applications are open until April 15). Upload your application documents here in the MoveOn portal.Please email laura.syms@zess.uni-goettingen.de or smita.raman-gyetvai@zess.uni-goettingen for detailed application information.