MAPS Think Better: Critical Thinking for Better Decisions

Course Overview

Course Description

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make sound judgments and decisions. This course explains how the brain processes information, called System 1 and System 2 thinking, and then introduces the key concepts of intellectual standards and traits. Consistent application of intellectual standards to reasoning leads to better thinking and intellectual traits are the qualities of mind and character that enable individuals to engage in critical thinking and reasoning. The course will explain obstacles to critical thinking with in-depth coverage on cognitive biases and logical fallacies. The last module of instruction will be on the 8 elements of thought which are a framework developed by Richard Paul and Linda Elder for critical thinking. These elements provide a structured way to analyze and evaluate thinking processes and improve the quality of thinking. After each module the students will participate in thought exercises to apply the intellectual traits, standards and 8 elements of thought to various scenarios, and they will identify cognitive biases and logical fallacies that hinder their thinking. The students will leave with an understanding of how their mind works with skills and techniques to improve the quality of their thinking and decision making.

Intended Audience

This course is targeted at anyone who wants to improve their thinking and decision making, from beginner to advanced.  It can be applied to both their personal and professional lives and will aid them critically analyze information, apply sound reasoning, and make better decisions. It will aid them in recognizing logical fallacies and cognitive biases that negatively impact decision making, and it will provide a framework to evaluate information and make rational, fact-based decisions that will lead to better outcomes in their personal and professional lives.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:  

• Analyze and evaluate your thinking as you solve problems and make better decisions to achieve better outcomes, both in your personal and professional lives. 
• Understand and remember the definition of critical thinking and systems 1 (heuristics) and systems 2 thinking and have better insight into how the mind processes information, both the good and the bad.  
• Understand fundamental critical thinking skills, traits and standards and be able to apply them to your everyday thought processes. 
• Recognize 24 logical fallacies and cognitive biases and be able to improve the quality of your thinking by not letting your thinking be negatively influenced by them.
• Apply the 8 elements of thought to improve their reasoning and decision making.

Course Materials

Course materials will be provided in class.

Instructor

Roger H. Westermeyer is an instructor, author, and former senior federal leader whose work centers on one core idea: helping professionals think better so they can make better decisions. With more than 30 years of experience across government, higher education, and consulting, he brings a practical, real-world perspective on decision-making in complex environments. 

He serves as an Instructor at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where he teaches seminars on critical thinking and metacognition and previously taught graduate-level contract management. His courses help participants better understand how they think, challenge assumptions, and make sound, ethical decisions—skills essential for professionals working in local, state, and federal government and nonprofit organizations. 

Roger is the author of Think Better Now: A Practical Guide to Critical Thinking in an Age of Distraction and shares ongoing insights through his Substack, Think Better Now at https://substack.com/@rrwesty. His writing and teaching focus on giving professionals practical tools they can use immediately to improve decision-making in their work. 

His approach is grounded in a distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, where he held senior leadership roles within the Air Force Installation Contracting Center in Ohio and Air Force Material Command. In these roles, he led large teams, advised senior leaders, and supported multi-billion-dollar acquisition portfolios—consistently focused on improving outcomes through better strategy, innovation, and decision-making. 

Today, he also serves as the Principal Consultant of RWesty Consulting, LLC, advising organizations on federal contracting, proposal development, and navigating complex government systems. His work helps organizations build stronger partnerships with government and operate more effectively in public sector environments. 

Key Highlights

• Instructor at Ohio State University, John Glenn College of Public Affairs
• Focus on critical thinking, metacognition, and better decision-making
• 34 years of experience in federal procurement and public sector leadership
• Led and supported $30B+ acquisition portfolios
• Delivered training to large public sector audiences

FAQ's

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.  

CEU and CPE Policy
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course.

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course. 

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?