The 5 Core Competencies

Competency #2: Thinking Skills

The focus of this core competency is to build lifelong capability in the 3 key areas: Creativity, Understanding and Decision-Making. It’s based upon the research of Robert Sternberg and others on effective thinking domains. It is embedded into the SmartSkills 101 Portfolio of Essential Skills developed by Bob Wiele. This competency teaches the SmartSkills common language for thinking and working effectively and includes:

• 6 essential strategies for improving creative thinking – to increase student abilities in producing both the quantity and quality of ideas and options, as well as analytical thinking and decision-making.
• 6 essential strategies for proficiency in understanding situations and people – to improve skills in analytical thinking and compassion for others. Understanding others is as important as understanding yourself.