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

Increased consciousness of a comprehensive set of tools for effective speaking and presentations, facilitating participants in evaluating their existing abilities and identifying areas for improvement to achieve their goals.

Enhanced transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and team building.

Improved capacity to strategically plan, engage in, and derive learning from involvement in international symposiums. This platform enables course participants to contemplate ways to enhance their overall rhetorical and presentation impact before deciding to escalate their involvement.

Elevated proficiency in both online and in-person interactions, along with enhanced mediation skills.

Program

Phase 1: International online collaboration on the topic of your choice

Phase 2: Symposium on the selected topics at IMTFL, Comenius University Bratislava (on site event)

Phase 3: Debriefing and exchange of intercultural aspects

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.