Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Test

Provide your response to each question in the box below.

Q1: Answer the following:

1.1. Explain the concept of critical thinking. Write your answer in 30-50 words.
1.2. Explain the critical thinking process in 250-300 words.
1.3. What approach can you use to develop critical thinking skills by remembering the
communication that you had with someone? Write your answer in 100-150 words.

1.1 Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully
conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered
from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as
a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values
that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance,
sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness
1.2 Critical thinking can sometimes be a convoluted and mysterious process; this resource
provides a systematic, critical thinking method that makes it a lot less puzzling. We know
that critical thinking is necessary and crucial for our work, but how do we get to the “Oh! I
know!” or “Hmmm, what if we…” moments? Those “aha” moments don’t always come
quickly enough and some specific steps and questions can help us get there. What are some
things we can do to foster an environment full of “aha” moments? First, let’s agree on what
we mean by critical thinking. It is “Thinking about thinking” thus making us able to take
charge of our own thinking. UF professor, Dr. Alexa Lamm, (2016) defines it as, “A reasoned,
purposive, and introspective approach to solving problems or addressing questions with
incomplete evidence and information and for which an incontrovertible solution is unlikely.”
1.3 Ask questions Asking basic questions can help to bring clarity to a situation or help you think
through new information. Be self-aware First, be honest with yourself about your own biases.
If the information comes from a source that often holds a different viewpoint from yours, you
may be tempted to treat the information with suspicion. Evaluate opposing views For many
opinions and ideas, some take a different, even opposing, viewpoint. You can develop your
critical thinking skills by looking for those dissenting opinions and evaluating them for
yourself. Doing this gives you a broader perspective and helps you make better quality
decisions. Consider consequences As best as you can with the information you have,
consider the consequences of a line of reasoning or a particular decision.
Q2: Answer the following:
2.1. How can you use critical thinking questions to identify the learning needs of the
employees? Write your answer in 50-100 words.
2.2. What is formal and informal learning? What methods can be used to deliver formal
and informal learning? Write your answer in 100-150 words

2.1 Open-ended questioning As a critical thinker, you cannot allow whomever or whatever you are
questioning to give you the smallest amount of information for your questions. Avoid leading
questions Keep your questions as neutral as possible and don’t allow any definitive language
to creep into the question. Such as using the following: 3. Specify the boundaries of your
questions As much as leading a question can be a hindrance to what you want, so can leaving
the question too open, and invite unnecessary information to be given. Funnel the questions
until you get the answer you were looking for When questions remain shallow, it is easy for
the sources of information you are questioning to mislead and avoid giving you the
information that you want. All the answers to your question must be based on facts and well
supported by many different sources. Make sure that you don’t give in to hearsay. Find the
studies, the science, and ample testimonials before you accept the information that you have
been given.

2.2 Formal learning occurs in a structured and organized environment like a training/education
institution or on the job. It is explicitly designed as education in terms of time, objectives, and
resources. It is intentional learning from the learner’s perspective, leading to degrees and
certifications. Formal learning is a structured model that presents a rigid curriculum,
corresponding to laws and norms. It is rather presentational education. On the other hand:
Informal learning is the education that is beyond limitations and goes on outside of a
traditional formal learning environment like university, school, or college. It is an education
that is seen as learning that goes on in our daily life or learning projects undertaken by us to
teach ourselves. As stated earlier, the choice between the formal and informal learning
approach comes down to the intention, objective, challenges and how any of these learning
patterns facilitates the learner in developing a successful career path and performing at their
full potential. There are three major areas on which either of these learning approaches can be
tested from both the learner and instructor’s point of view, including; Content development
Targeted audience Tracking of performance In addition, each of these learning patterns offers
different values in the lives of the learners. Again, the choice between the two comes down to
the objectives and intent of the learners. As with just about every other methodology, formal
and informal learning approaches also have differences when it comes to learning basics.
Let’s discuss these basic differences separately.
 Q3: How can you assess the effectiveness of current learning systems used in the company?
Write your answer in 250-300 words.

To assess the effectiveness of current learning systems used in the company can be used by
considering three elements: Reaction, Learning, and Result. In reaction, the learners have reacted to
the training, the relevance and usefulness of the training. Use surveys, and questionnaires or talk to
learners before and after the course to collect their feedback on the learning experience. Topics to
cover during the discussion: Was the course content relevant and easy to follow? Ask questions about
the learning and key takeaways, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the program, and understand
if the training was able to accommodate the learner’s pace and learning style. Finally, the staff should
have a good understanding of how well the training was received and determine any gaps in the
training content. Measure the knowledge and skills gained by learners as a result of the training. To
measure this level, you can use a combination of metrics such as test scores during and after the
training, evaluation of applied learning projects, influence on performance KPIs, course completion and
certification, supervisor report and feedback. At this stage of evaluation, you will be able to determine
if the training is meeting its set objectives, what are the specific skills that can be developed with this
training, and the scope for improvements in content and method of delivery. In the Results process,
Measure the tangible results of the training such as reduced cost, improved quality, faster project
completion, increased productivity, employee retention, better marketing leads, increased sales, and
higher morale. Key metrics to measure are: Improved business results, Increased productivity and
quality of work, Employee retention, Higher morale, Customer satisfaction index
 Q4: Answer the following questions:
4.1. Prepare a list of four (4) Australian federal anti-discrimination laws the businesses
must comply with.
4.2. Provide a brief explanation of the purpose of any two (2) anti- discrimination
law. Write your answer in 50-100 words.

4.1 In Australia, it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of a number of protected attributes

including age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity and sexual orientation in certain
areas of public life, including education and employment. Australia's federal anti-discrimination laws
are contained in the following legislation: Age Discrimination Act 2004- external site, Disability
Discrimination Act 1992- external site, Racial Discrimination Act 1975- external site, and Sex
Discrimination Act 1984- external site.

4.2 Standards under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The Attorney-General's Department
assists the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities; Department of Industry,
Innovation and Science; and Department of Education and Training in the administration of the
standards under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Complaints of unlawful discrimination. The
Attorney-General and the Attorney-General's Department cannot provide legal advice to the public and
cannot investigate any complaints of unlawful discrimination or alleged breaches of human rights.
Complaints of unlawful discrimination can be lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission and
relevant state and territory agencies.
Q5: Under Equal Employee Opportunity regulation, what are different grounds of
discrimination? Prepare a list of any ten (10).

Equal employment opportunity (EEO) means that all employees have the right to be
treated equally in all aspects of their jobs. Equal employment opportunity should be
available in all areas of employment including recruitment, job allocation, promotion and
access to all benefits and opportunities. Current laws make it illegal for employers to
discriminate on grounds such as 1. sex, 2. race, 3. religion, 4. marital status, 5.
pregnancy, 6. sexual preference 7. parental status, 8. University, 9. Region, 10. Hobby.
LAW GOVERNING EEO. Although women make up the majority of shop floor employees,
men outnumber women two to one in management positions in the retail industry.
The SDA is committed to ensuring that women are given the same opportunities as men
in all aspects of their employment in the retail industry, including access to training and
promotion Equal employment opportunity laws are there to help and protect employees.
As a union protecting employees in the retail industry, the SDA strives to enforce these
laws by making sure employers are meeting their responsibilities. The SDA will do
everything within its power to assist you in achieving equal employment opportunities.
The SDA is already helping an employee with areas that affect their ability to be treated
equally at work through enterprise agreements and regular discussions with companies.
 Explain the following critical thinking concepts:
a. Analysis
b. Synthesis
c. Evaluation
Write your answer in 100-150 words.

Evaluation is defined as making a judgment about the value or worth of something. Within the context
of learning and academic reading/research, to evaluate is to form conclusions based on information
that you have gathered/analysed; a process in which you have already engaged both in week three and
week four. Evaluation itself is a relatively easy process, in that we make judgments all of the time.
However, ‘academic’ evaluation must be underpinned by analysis and synthesis to give it credibility.
Synthesis itself is arguably a more complex and challenging process; combining multiple sources in
order to form theories, and patterns and develop a fuller understanding. It requires a mindful approach
and asks you to look for and identify links between sources. The outcome should be a more cogent
understanding of a topic or argument; and sometimes even a new idea or theory. A concept analysis
can be defined as the dissection of a concept into simpler elements to promote clarity while providing
mutual understanding. If the researcher notes a lack of clarity surrounding the concept, a concept
analysis should be undertaken to achieve a better understanding of the concept

Q7: How can you use the following procedures to maximise individual and team access to
learning opportunities?
a. Procedures to hire and promote critical thinkers
b. Build a culture of learning
Write your answer in 150-200 words.

a. Here are procedures to hire and promote critical thinkers in the workplace;
1. Encourage Employees to Express Opinions. Help boost inspiration in your team by allowing
everyone to have a voice. Give your team the opportunity to express their opinions because
critical thinking and difficult conversation skills are crucial aspects of decision-making.

2. Invest in Training and Development According to the research, the generation of Millennials is
really struggling with critical thinking in the digital age. They receive tons of false information
and don’t know how to determine what is right and what is wrong, which is why you need to help
them overcome this issue. Be a Role Model The best way to inspire your employees is to be a
good role model. If they see you constantly coming up with alternative solutions to business
challenges, it is highly likely that they will start behaving just like you. Therefore, you should be
one of their main motives to embrace critical thinking in the workplace.

b. Creating a Continuous Learning Culture Create Awareness for Training Resources, Secure
Manager Involvement., Consider a Learning Library., Connect Personal Development to
Company Goals., Make Access to Training a Core Company Benefit.
Q8: Answer the following:
8.1. What are the different sources of information used to prepare workplace
procedures? Write your answer in 30-50 words.
8.2. What is WHS information used for? Write your answer in 100-150 words.
8.3. What are the different sources of WHS information? Write your answer in 100-
150 words.

8.1 There are numerous online and print information sources that are very accessible to
businesses of any size. Government agencies often sponsor websites that contain a great
deal of information for non-legal professionals. These sites are usually very reliable and up
to date. Industry and trade organizations may also sponsor websites and print
publications that contain industry news and comprehensive information about regulatory
changes. Proprietary database companies sell online access to multiple information
sources, including legislative and regulatory information as well as industry guides that
contain information about companies and their leadership. Database companies offer
subscription packages that include access to data sources that are important to your
business and industry.
8.2 Some of the top uses for Work Health Safety information are so that employers can be
certain that they follow all of the rules and regulations named in the WHS Act so that
employees can learn about what things their employers are allowed to require of them
and what things they are not allowed to ask them to do. Such as; employers cannot ask
an employee to do work that they are not going to be paid for having done, So students
can write engaging papers on the topic, So that officials in the police departments, and
judicial system, are kept abreast of all of the changes that may occur in the Work Health
& Safety.
8.3 Some of the sources of information for WHS are: Newspaper articles written by local
reporters covering companies in compliance, and companies found to not be in
compliance, and informative articles written to explain to the general public what the
Work Health & Safety Act is, and how it is designed to work, Local news programs that do
interviews with people who are responsible for regulating the rules of the Work Health &
Safety Act, Social media sites like YouTube will often have informational videos that
people have made about the subject of Work Health & Safety issues.

Q9: Answer the following:

9.1. What is a performance development plan? What are the benefits of the performance
development plan? Write your answer in 50-100 words.
9.2. What are workplace objectives? Why do we need to set up workplace objectives?
Write your answer in 30-50 words.
9.3. How should organisations write work objectives? Write your answer in 30-50 words.

9.1 performance development plan is a tool for improving employee performance. The PDP
process helps managers and employees identify areas for improvement, set goals,
measure progress, and outline a strategy to achieve those objectives. Performance
improvement plan provides various benefits to both staff and the company. Some of the
benefits are as follows: Boosts employees' morale, minimizes staff turnover, Encourages
 accountability and efficiency, Determine whether a PIP is appropriate, Identify the
problems, Define the objective.

9.2 Workplace objectives are specific goals a company sets out to achieve in a specified time
frame. Objectives may be limited or ongoing in nature and generally guide the way a
business operates. Working with your employees to set goals helps strengthen a culture of
ongoing feedback and open communication. Employees with clearly outlined goals are
also in a prime position to push themselves, meet new challenges, and feel aligned to big-
picture initiatives and create a competitive advantage for your business.

9.3 The Organizational should consider these objectives, Start With A SWOT Analysis, Use the
SMART model to set objectives, determine the contributions of every member of the
organization, brainstorm with your employees, make sure your organizational objectives
link together to fulfill organizational goals.
Q10: What is PDCA? What are the four (4) phases of the PDCA cycle? Write your answer in
70-120 words.

PDCA cycle is an iterative process for continually improving products, people, and services. It became
an integral part of what is known today as Lean management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model includes
solutions testing, analysing results, and improving the process.

Plan. at this stage, you will literally plan what needs to be done.

Do, at this stage, you will apply everything that has been considered during the previous stage.

Check. This is probably the most important stage of the PDCA cycle. If you want to clarify your plan,
avoid recurring mistakes, and apply continuous improvement successfully, you need to pay enough
attention to the check phase.

Act, If everything seems perfect and your team managed to achieve the original goals.
 Q11: Answer the following:
11.1. What are the fundamental aspects of critical thinking? Write your answer in 50-
100 words.
11.2. Explain the following models of critical and creative thinking in 100- 150 words
each.
a) Paul-Elder critical thinking framework
b) Thinking triangle or ‘Bloom’s Taxonomy’

11.1 There is agreement on some fundamental facets of critical thinking, most of which recognize the
various behaviours and dispositions that a critical thinker must possess.

- Abilities: analysing arguments, claims or evidence judging or evaluating based on evidence.

- Dispositions: open-mindedness, searcher of truth, inquisition, fair and balanced view of one’s
work and that of others. another aspect of critical thinking we haven’t mentioned yet is, of
course, one’s knowledge of the subject matter. A well-informed researcher or practitioner is
always in a good position to offer better insights on the subject matter from an informed
position.

11.2

a) The Paul-Elder framework has three components: the element of thought (reasoning), the
intellectual standards that should be applied to the elements of reasoning, and the intellectual
traits associated with a cultivated critical thinker that result from the consistent and disciplined
application of the intellectual standards to the elements of thought.

b) Bloom's Taxonomy is a method created by Benjamin Bloom (1965) to categorize the levels of
reasoning skills that students use for effective learning. There are six levels of Bloom's
Taxonomy: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Each
one of the categories aims to construct one level of abstraction more complex than the other. In
2001, a group of cognitive psychologists, curriculum theorists and instructional researchers
published in 2001 a revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy with the title A Taxonomy for Teaching,
Learning, and Assessment. This updated version points to a more dynamic conception of
classification. Remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate, and create were organized and
included action words to recognize cognitive processes by which students come across and work
with knowledge.
 Q12: How can you lead a team and individuals to develop critical and creative thinking skills?
Write your answer in 100-150 words.

Improving an employee’s ability to think critically involves more than their scoring well on job- specific
hard skills such as software knowledge, writing ability or mathematical aptitude. Employees also need
emotional intelligence (EQ), the suite of soft skills in demand along with critical thinking, creativity, and
active listening.

To assess those employees who can develop critical thinking skills, start by looking for the desirable
traits critical thinkers possess:

- Curious and interested in learning more

- Sees connections between two different pieces of information that point to a trend or
observation
- Open-minded listener eager to hear different perspectives
- Self- reflective in examining their own biases or prejudices
- Naturally creative in crafting solutions
- Self- confident, as confidence is essential in thinking independently, presenting conclusions and
making decision.
References
https://www.utc.edu/academic-affairs/walker-center-for-teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources/
pedagogical-strategies-and-techniques/ct-ps - :~:text=Critical thinking involves asking questions,other
interpretations, and tolerating ambiguity.

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=51387&section=3

https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/our-conception-of-critical-thinking/411 - :~:text=Critical thinking is

that mode,, and self-corrective thinking.

https://www.designorate.com/critical-thinking-paul-elder-framework/ - :~:text=What is Paul-Elder Critical,,

and inference and interpretation).

https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/ - :~:text=Familiarly known as Bloom's

Taxonomy,Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation.

https://www.mindtools.com/as2l5i1/pdca-plan-do-check-act - :~:text=The PDCA%2FPDSA cycle is,updating

procedures and working practices.
Version Number: 10 (Review date: Unit Code: Page 15 of
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