Unit 2. Critical Thinking in Game Design

OVERVIEW

Activities in this unit of instruction are designed to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Learners will be introduced to various strategies and techniques for idea generation, problem solving, and critical analysis.

TOPICS

  • Critical Thinking (e.g. definition, comparison to creative thinking, well-developed arguments)
  • Idea Generation Techniques (i.e. What is brainstorming? How is it useful? What are the rules?)
  • Critical Thinking for Game Analysis (e.g. purpose in game design, function in game development)
  • Problem Solving Basics (e.g. priorities, methodologies, planning

OBJECTIVES

  1. Define creative and critical thinking.
  2. Explain contemporary problem solving methods, providing examples.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to determine essential questions, issues, and/or problems.
  4. Utilize contemporary problem solving techniques
  5. Differentiate between a game review and a critical analysis of a game.
  6. Breakdown a problem into its component parts, set priorities, and explore methods of resolution.
  7. Gather, generate, and evaluate relevant information through effective research.
  8. Develop informed conclusions/solutions.
  9. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  10. Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  11. Use oral and written communication skills to clearly communicate and defend their positions or conclusions with regard to a story specific issue or evaluation.
  12. Predict when problems arise or are likely to arise within a given scenario.

OUTLINE

1. Introduction to creative and critical thinking practices

  • What does it mean to think critically? Think creatively?
  • Critical thinking terms: ambiguity, assumptions, values, emotions, argument, fallacy, thinking barriers, language, etc.
  • Tools for critical thinking (e.g. SWOT analysis)
  • Critical thinking and the evaluation process

2. Idea Generation

  • Introduction to brainstorming and mind mapping
  • Idea sorting
  • --Immediate usefulness
  • --Areas for exploration
  • --New approaches to problem solving

3. Phases of decision making/problem solving

  • Problem identification
  • Information gathering
  • Brainstorm solutions
  • Compare the pros and cons of each option
  • Test selected solution
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution

Complete and Continue