The Information Explosion, Critical Thinking, and Decision-Making Writing

Abstract

Explosions in both information and the number of issues to be addressed have increased the demand for individuals who can quickly and critically process information and then effectively communicate the importance of any findings. To facilitate this process, a new style of communication, decision-making writing, has emerged. It is a one-page presentation of all relevant facts and observations needed to understand an issue and options which a decision-maker confronts. This article will show how decision-making writing can be taught effectively. Dependence of this writing style on critical thinking skills and advantages for instructors teaching it are noted.