Martin Luther King once said, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Simply put, critical thinking is more than just reading and memorizing the theories learnt; it is in training the mind to think. It is the skill that when faced with a problem, the mind thinks of the different angles to see both the big picture and the little details, and then coming up with a solution that fits. The key critical thinking skills include analysis, interpretation, inference, explanation, self-regulation, open-mindedness and problem-solving (Tomaszewski, 2021), and this can all be seen in MonsoonSIM’s critical thinking curriculum.
As a unique experiential learning pedagogical platform for business studies, MonsoonSIM comprehensively combines and connects business concepts and theories from over 13 interrelated departments. Among them, the topics covered include business and economic fundamentals, business operational management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), logistics and supply chain management (SCM), and data analytics and data science studies, among others. Embedded within these concepts and throughout the experiential learning journey that students go through in the business simulation platform is the essence of critical thinking.
Essentially, there are 5 parts of critical thinking in MonsoonSIM. Firstly, is to identify the problem. This includes coming up with a clear and succinct problem definition that ensures the focus of the critical thinking. In the MonsoonSIM platform, this means that the learner identifies each business transaction done when they run their “virtual” company.
Secondly, is to gather information. Once the problem has already been defined, the next step is to do research and to think of the different angles and perspectives that one can approach the issue with. In MonsoonSIM, this can be done when learners see all the transaction data.
Thirdly, is to consider the solutions. With the problem at hand and all the external and internal factors considered, what are the alternative solutions? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each of these potential solutions? In MonsoonSIM, learners will think over and reflect upon their transaction decisions.
Fourthly, is to choose and implement a solution. From the brainstormed potential solutions and upon analyzing each of them, a solution will be selected and implemented. This process within the MonsoonSIM platform is when learners choose and implement their transaction decision after weighing the alternatives.
Lastly, is to evaluate the evidence. It is not enough to just implement the chosen solution and be done with the entire process. Within MonsoonSIM, learners have the opportunity to evaluate the impact of their transaction decisions, not only by themselves, but under the guidance of their facilitators and coaches, as well as with the help of the unique AI-based virtual teaching assistant.
Critical thinking spans after the implementation; it is the careful analysis onto the consequences of the chosen solution and whether there are any learning points or room for improvement to identify. The process of critical thinking will repeat until it turns into a cycle of continuous improvement.
MonsoonSIM’s business simulation and gamification education platform facilitates all these components of the critical thinking process within their curriculum perfectly, presenting learning opportunities at every corner and angle as students run their “virtual business” in an immersive, hands-on learning environment. MonsoonSIM’s platform prepares students by encapsulating thousands of business concepts in the form of one comprehensive business simulation covering thirteen interconnected business departments. Not only will learners be able to demonstrate higher engagement towards learning and educational interaction with their peers, but they will also develop a heightened ability to apply business concepts to business problems with a critical entrepreneurial mind and sharp decision-making skills.
MonsoonSIM ensures that students are able to make the most of their experiential learning journey and practice their critical thinking skills in a way where there’s more to learn, easier to learn!