CATL: Our Vision (text version)

Mansfield University faculty will pursue growth in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication across the university.

What is critical thinking?

It is the ability to use higher-order cognitive skills to frame, analyze and synthesize information in order to solve problems. Critical thinking and reflection allow us to detect misconceptions and to assess the authenticity, accuracy, and worth of knowledge claims in order to make informed decisions.

Teaching Strategies and Resources

Transformational Technology

What do we mean by "creativity"?

Creativity is the ability to offer new perspectives, generate innovative and meaningful ideas, raise new questions, and come up with solutions to ill-defined problems. The creative process promotes divergent thinking and flexibility in problem-solving.

Teaching Strategies and Resources

Transformational Technology

What is collaboration?

The ability to work productively and equitably with others. Collaborators work together to establish goals, share ideas and the workload, and serve as both facilitators and contributors. Sharing power and decision making, and engaging in productive conflict are key.

Teaching Strategies and Resources

Transformational Technology

What is effective communication in higher education?

Communication is the ability to effectively convey and interpret spoken, written, visual, and non-verbal messages. Effective communicators interact with competence and purpose in digital and non-digital contexts.

Teaching Strategies and Resources

Transformational Technology