Developing Critical Thinking and Effective Communication Skills in the Future Aviation Workforce

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

Critical thinking and effective communication are among the top skills necessary for developing a resilient future workforce across professional areas. Recent world events have led to an increase in the demand for these skills in disaster and emergency management professions, especially those in and adjacent to the aviation industry. As such, the importance of higher education settings in teaching the skills needed to equip the workforce to face future challenges cannot be overstated. However, there are gaps in how these skills are taught in higher education to meet the needs of aviation employers seeking disaster and emergency professionals. This paper introduces an interdisciplinary general education course in the ERAU-W COAS on critical thinking and coordination in emergencies and disasters as a strategy to address these gaps. This direct approach involves teaching selected red teaming techniques, asking essential thinking questions, and applying effective communication tools in coordination with professional organizations. Improving these skills in higher education will support workforce development for aviation and other industries at the forefront of human innovation, security, and resilience.

Authors

• Aydiner, Cihan Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Corbin, Tanya Buhler Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Tan, Courtney Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• critical thinking
• effective communication
• developing future workforce
• aviation
• Education
• Social and Behavioral Sciences