After successful completion of this micro-module, the student will be able to,

1. Explain what it means to do scientific research in concrete problem-context, using (philosophical) concepts including: science, scientific knowledge, scientific research, scientific methodology, models & modelling, explanation & understanding, laws, scientific reasoning, and thinking strategies.
2. Articulate higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) that you want to develop, by articulating (as part of your PDP): Which HOTS? Why important for you? How (which activities) are you going to develop them?
3. Actively reflect on and deliberatively develop these HOTS, by identifying (as part of your PDP and self-assessment of project): Where do I want to go? Where am I now? What do I need to close the gap?
4. Recognize (in other people’s talks and writings) and to conduct at an elementary level different thinking strategies (ways of scientific reasoning), including: Deductive reasoning, Inductive reasoning, Hypothesizing, Mathematization, Idealization, Abstraction, Explorative, Explanatory reasoning, Analogical reasoning (“Seeing-as”), Imagination, Conceptualizing.

This micro-module is an introduction to the other seven micromodules. Together, we will develop philosophical and educational understanding of the Why, the What, and the How of (your personal) higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in interdisciplinary research. What are the kinds of scientific thinking and reasoning skills needed in conducting research into complex real-world problems? How can you develop these skills? Why do we focus on modeling as an overarching higher-order-thinking skill in interdisciplinary research?

The other seven micromodules will each contribute to your HOTS development. This introductory micromodule helps to understand the deeper (philosophical) background of the educational approach to the overarching learning objective (learning to do scientific research in complex real-world problems) in the ICR&TIST minor.

All micro-modules have a study load of 1ECTS. They take place in person (not hybrid or online), and will be taught in English. The micromodule The Art of Thinking consists of four workshops and readings (or online lectures) that provide content on the topic. In the workshops, we will discuss and deepen the content (including small lectures), do exercises, an