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FOUNDATION DIPLOMA

Critical Thinking & Innovation (2022)

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Individual Portfolio (50%)

Item Activity Marks

1. Individual Work: Creating Solutions 6

2. Individual Work: Ethical Scenarios 12

3. Group Work: SWOT Analysis for GOP 10

4. Group Work: Proposal for GOP 10

5. Individual Work: “Healthy Lifestyle Swap” Peer Evaluation 6

6. Individual Work: Peer Evaluation for GOP 6

7. Individual Work: Self-Reflection for GOP 10

Total marks: 60

Instructions for Individual Portfolio (IP)

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1. There are seven (7) activities in this IP. Please ensure that you read all instructions
carefully before attempting the activities.
2. Your lecturer will email you the activities to complete and provide a deadline to submit
via email. *See below for penalty for late submission.
3. To obtain a high score for each activity, you have to make sure that your work is
complete, thorough in terms of scope and depth, neat, coherent, timely and with good
mechanics. Ensure that it is your own work. No marks will be given for work copied from
others except for “Group Work” activities.

*Penalties for late submission.

No. of days late Penalty

1 – 2 calendar days 5% deducted from the total marks available for each late
calendar day (capped at 10%).

After 2 calendar days Assignments that are submitted from the 3rd day onwards will
not be accepted and you will receive a mark of zero for the
assignment(s).

If you are on MC on Inform your lecturer and submit your assignment(s) on the next
the day of calendar day.
submission
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Individual Work: Creating Solutions (6 marks)

Instructions:
1. Think of a personal problem that you have, for example: procrastination.
2. Analyse the problem by breaking down and working through the problem that you have identified using
this flowchart.
3. Identify three (3) possible solutions and consider the positive and negative effects of each solution.
4. Based on point 3, select the best solution and evaluate your decision.
5. You are graded based on the depth of your analysis.

State the problem Breakdown of the problem – Critical (Analytical) Thinking

Unable to write new music A lack of inspiration or ideas while writing/composing a new song

Use the boxes below to list possible solutions – Creative/Practical Thinking

Solutions Possible positive effects Potential negative effects
of this solution of this solution
Solution #1

Listening and studying
different genres of music
than what I’m used to
Solution #2
I can get inspiration and/or new ideas
by listening to something other than
what I usually listen to
It is more challenging to mix
multiple genres while
maintaining the song’s
structure, and may lead to
further complications while
writing

Breaking down and I can pick out things that I like most The finished song might not
analysing songs that I like about those songs and try to sound very original if too much
in further detail incorporate it into my song material was taken from other
songs

Solution #3

Stop trying to write the This can let new ideas develop This method is quite time
song momentarily naturally, instead of trying to force consuming, and might cause
new ideas out the song to be delayed

Now choose the solution (from #1-3 above) you think is the best, circle or highlight it
and apply it to the problem – Critical/Practical Thinking
Practical action – steps to Actual positive effects Actual negative effects
be taken or already taken

Instead of listening to only
metal, I listened and
analysed to jazz and
classical music
I was able to find fresh inspiration to
use when I wrote new pieces of
music
The first few attempts resulted
in the song not having a proper
structure, which quite
significantly increased the time
which I took to write the song

Final evaluation: Was it a good or bad solution? Why? – Critical Thinking

Overall, I think that it was a good solution as not only was I able to complete the song, I also
broadened my scope of knowledge in music, which would be useful in the future as well when I
eventually write even more music. Even though it took a while to correct the song structure initially, it
was valuable experience to have, as it showed me new ways to view a song’s structure.
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Individual Work: Ethical Scenarios (12 marks)

Instructions:
1. Read the following ethical scenarios and apply the most appropriate moral theory taught in this lecture.
2. You are graded based on your ability to explain and justify the chosen moral theory.

Scenario 1
You have been struggling in your Economics class. The content does not come easily, so
you have put in countless hours to understand and do the assignments. There is another
student who breezes through the assignments and has been getting high marks for the work
he turns in. You know for a fact that he has used his college-aged cousin to do some of the
assignments for him. You do not know how many assignments were turned in this way, but
you are certain that he, in fact, did not do all the work. Your frustration increases over the
last assignment that you worked extra hard on, but did poorly. Of course, this other student
scored well on the same assignment. You could drop the teacher an anonymous note about
the implied cheating on the part of this other student. It might get the teacher to monitor the
situation better, and be more alert to cases of implied cheating or ghost writers.

What should you do? What is the moral theory that can be applied to your action(s) here?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Scenario 2
You and your family are going away for the weekend. Your daughter is 7 and is very close
with your niece, who is also 7. Your daughter asks if your niece can come with you on your
holiday. You arrive at the beach and the girls ask if they can go for a swim. You tell them
that they have to wait until you have unpacked the car, but they can play on the sand. They
run down to the sand and after 5 minutes, you hear screaming coming from the direction of
the beach and it sounds like the girls. You run down to see that the girls are caught in a rip.
There is no one else around. The girls are really struggling, particularly your niece who is
not as strong a swimmer as your daughter. You swim out quickly, but when you get there,
you realise that there is no way you will be able to get both girls back to shore on your own.
You realise that an agonising decision will need to be made. You need to decide which of
the girls you will rescue first.
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What should you do? What is the moral theory that can be applied to your action(s) here?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Scenario 3
You are the CEO of a leading pharmaceutical company that has made a breakthrough in a
new COVID-19 vaccine. In clinical trials, this vaccine has proven to be 97% effective in
preventing mild and severe symptoms of the virus. However, the studies have also indicated
that about 10% of people who receive this vaccine may suffer some side effects that could
lead to further health complications. You need to make a final decision on whether to market
this vaccine to the general population.

What should you do? What is the moral theory that can be applied to your action(s) here?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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Group Work: SWOT Analysis for GOP (10 marks)

Instructions:
1. As a team, recall, discuss and apply the principles of the SWOT Analysis taught in this lecture.
2. Analyse and evaluate the viability of your project proposal with this strategic management tool.
3. All members must fill out each section with the same information agreed on by the team.
4. You are graded based on your ability to respond to each section and provide sufficient elaboration.

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Identify 3 challenges from the SWOT Analysis and provide 3 solutions in response.

3 possible challenges (W & T) 3 possible solutions

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.
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Group Work: Proposal for GOP (10 marks)

Instructions:
1. As a team, discuss and complete the proposal by cross-referencing the SWOT Analysis.
2. Your lecturer will explain each criterion, so be sure to clarify when in doubt.
3. All members must fill out each criterion with the same information agreed on by the team.
4. You are graded based on your ability to respond to each criterion and provide sufficient elaboration.
5. This group proposal is a work-in-progress; improvements made to strengthen the proposal are expected.

Group name: _______________ Group members: _______________________________________________

1. Name of proposal

2. Slogan of proposal

3. Main idea of
proposal

4. Three (3) supporting

arguments

5. Business models
chosen

6. Three (3) forms of

creative advertising

7. Counter-argument
(3 challenges faced)

8. Recommendations
(3 solutions for
challenges)

9. Persuasive “pitch”

10. Lecturer’s feedback

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Individual Work: “Healthy Lifestyle Swap” Peer Evaluation (6 marks)

Group name: ___________________________________ Unhealthy lifestyle: _______________________ Alternative lifestyle: ___________________ Date: __________
Instructions:
1. As a team, collaborate to do a quick research and gather as much relevant information as you can based on the project brief given in class.
2. Analyse, evaluate and present your team’s proposal supported by the findings of your team’s research.
3. Peer evaluation: The other groups will grade you based on the quality of your team’s research, presentation skills and the persuasiveness of the proposal.

Criteria Unacceptable Needs improvement Good Excellent Score for each group
0-1 2 3 4
A B C D E F G H I J K L M

1 Organisation Information Information is Information is presented Information is

and presented has no presented somewhat in logical sequence. presented in logical
presentation of sequence. logically. and interesting
information sequence.
2 Quality of Information Information presented Information presented is Information is well-
information presented is is mostly incomplete mostly complete and presented, complete
from research incomplete and and inaccurate. accurate. and accurate.
inaccurate.
3 Design and Not balanced, Somewhat balanced, Balanced, uncluttered Creatively enhances
layout cluttered with but still cluttered with with adequate white information and
insufficient white unnecessary space. presentation.
space. information.
4 Choice of Unsuitable as an Suitable alternative but Good alternative but Excellent alternative,
alternative alternative, instead it it is just as unhealthy as does not seem to be creative and much
lifestyle is unhealthier than the original lifestyle. from the same category healthier than the
the original lifestyle as the unhealthy lifestyle original lifestyle
chosen. chosen. chosen.
5 Mechanics Information has so Information has many Information has no more Information has almost
many errors that they spelling and/or than 3 misspellings no misspellings or
distract readers from grammatical errors. and/or grammatical grammatical errors.
the text. errors.
Final comments on the groups: Total score:
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Individual Work: Peer Evaluation for GOP (6 marks)

Instructions:
1. Recall the process of doing the project work and reflect on each team member’s contribution to
the project.
2. In your assessment, evaluate and appraise each team member in your group with the 8 criteria
defined in the table.
3. Please write the name of each team member in the narrow box provided in the table and score
them honestly and fairly. On the blank page behind, write a short summary of each team
member (2-4 lines). This summary may include strengths, weaknesses, leadership potential,
etc.
4. You will be graded based on your ability to make an objective evaluation, fulfil the project
requirements, and provide an effective summary (in point 3).

Group name: _________________

Criteria Distinguished Proficient Basic Unacceptable

5 4 3 2-1

Lushano

Dzikry
Bryan
Aden

nil
Did a full share of Did an equal Did almost as much Did less work than 4 4 4 4
the work--or more; share of the work as others; others; doesn't get
knows what needs work; does work seldom asks for caught up after
1.Workload
to be done and does when asked; help. absence; doesn’t
it; volunteers to help works hard most ask for help.
others. of the time.
Highly organised in Quite organised Somewhat Completely 4 4 5 4
2.Getting
structuring and in most tasks. organised in some disorganised in
organised
managing various tasks. managing tasks.
tasks.
Provided many Participated in Listened mainly; on Seemed bored with 3 4 5 4
good ideas for the discussions; some occasions, conversations about
project shared feelings made suggestions. the project; rarely
3.Participatio
development; and thoughts. spoke up and ideas
n
inspires others; were off the mark.
in
clearly
discussions
communicated
desires, ideas,
personal needs and
feelings.
Took the initiative in Showed initiative Worked when Only worked when 4 4 4 4
4.Showing helping the group sometimes to get asked; occasionally asked; displayed no
initiative get organised. the work done. showed some initiative.
initiative.
Completed assigned Completed Needed some Needed much 4 4 4 5
work ahead of time. assigned work reminding, work was reminding; work was
5.Meeting
on time. late but it didn’t late and it did
deadlines
impact outcome. impact quality or
outcome.
6.Showing up Showed up for Showed up for Showed up late but No show or 5 5 5 5
for meetings punctually, meetings on it wasn’t a big extremely late;
meetings sometimes ahead of time. problem in feeble or no excuse
(including time. completing work. offered.
virtual
meetings)
7.Providing Habitually provides Gave feedback Provided some Was openly rude 4 4 4 3
feedback dignified, clear, and that did not feedback; when giving
respectful feedback. offend. sometimes hurt feedback.
feelings of others
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with feedback or
  made irrelevant
comments.
8.Receiving Graciously accepted Accepted Reluctantly Refused to listen to 5 4 4 4
feedback feedback. feedback. accepted feedback. feedback.
Total score: 40 33 33 35 33

Retrieved from: http://www.stedwards.edu/cte/resources/grub.htm

Individual Work: Self-Reflection for GOP (10 marks)
Instructions:
1. Reflect on and evaluate what you have learned as an individual in doing the project work.
2. Reflect on and evaluate the experience of collaborating and communicating with your team
members in achieving the shared team goals.
3. Provide detailed information to justify your position or comments in the boxes provided.
4. Items (C)* & (F)* are to be completed only after your presentation.
5. You are assessed based on your ability to reflect on and evaluate your learning experiences in
working as a team.

Items: Lecturer’s
comments:
(A) I completed the following tasks during the project:
1. Created and powerpoint slides to pitch our event
2. Held a survey that was completed by many people
3. Conducted research pertaining our project topic
4. Designed a poster to advertise our proposed event
5. I figured out how our survey results could help us better our event
As a result, I learned the following:
(B) About working in a team:
1. We have to cooperate to efficiently work on our project
2. We have to accommodate each others working style
3. We have to make some compromises to maintain group harmony
4. Our work will not always be smooth sailing, as there will be issues
5. It is important to have communication in order to resolve issues
within the group
(C) About presenting to an audience (post-presentation)*:
1. It is important to maintain composure when speaking in front of an
audience
2. Having a script makes presenting smoother
3. It is crucial to check the slides before presenting
4. It is good to have an iea of the flow f slides, to avoid any confusion
when presenting
5. Preparing for possible questions from the audience would make it
easier to explain or justify our choices
(D) About being responsible as a team member:
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1. I must complete my share of the work on time

2. I should voice out my opinions if I find any problems with the project
3. I should keep an open mind to any ideas my peers might give me
4. I should share my research and information with my teammates
5. I should stick to my role and perform to the best of my ability

(E) I learned that my strengths are:

1. I feel that I can communicate effectively with my teammates most of
the time
2. I feel that I was able to think strategically, and set realistic goals for
the team
3. I feel that I was able to adapt to the working styles of the other
members
4. I feel that I was a dependable member of the team, and that I could
be relied on
5. I feel that I was transparent about my goals with the team

(F) I learned that I need to work on (post-presentation)*:

1. I feel that I could have delegated tasks to the other members more
clearly, devising a structured plan to follow
2. I could have been a little more open minded to some of the ideas that
were proposed
3. I could have been better with time management, to reduce the risk of
having to meddle with the slides until the very last minute
4. I could have made the information on the slides clearer, to not have
so much misunderstandings when we presented the slides
5. I could have received feedback with a more open heart, instead of just
ignoring the feedback I was given

(G) I would make the following changes if I were to do the project

again:
1. I would check the slides to make sure we were presenting the correct
version of the slides
2. I would run through the slides with my groupmates a few times before
the actual presentation
3. I would have created a more cohesive and smooth script to follow
during the presentation
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(H) Positive attributes of the team:

1. We are able to understand the unique needs of each of our members
2. We were very clear about our goals, making it easier to work with
each other
3. The members of my team were very trustworthy and reliable
4. They also created many creative and innovative ideas that we used
for our event
5. Most of the time, we were able to communicate between ourselves
about the slides

(I) Negative attributes of the team:

1. Our group suffered from a lack of focus initially
2. The group was not overly receptive when it comes to new scenarios
and ideas
3. Our group also suffered from poor time management, resulting in us
rushing our slides until the very end
4. I feel that some members of the group had more say than others,
making our group not running optimally
5. our group also did not really engage in discussion, outside of the time
allocated during classes

(J) Final thoughts and observations:

I feel that this was a fruitful experience for me, and I would love to have
another go with this team. It has been very interesting to work with a group
with a variety of different people. There are things that can be improved, but
overall I’m glad that I got the chance to work with them.