Okayama University Hosts Logical Thinking Workshop to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills

Enhancing Thinking Skills at Okayama University

On June 11, 2025, Okayama University organized a workshop aimed at nurturing logical thinking skills at its Tsushima Campus, specifically in the brand-new Co-Creation Innovation Lab, KIBINOVE. This event gathered around 30 individuals, including university students and professionals, highlighting the institution's commitment to fostering critical thinking in an era dominated by digital transformation (DX).

The workshop was part of the Cabinet Office's initiative to strengthen universities as regional innovation hubs, emphasizing the development of foundational skills like critical and effective communication. The event was led by Corvus Securitas Inc., a venture company rooted in Okayama University, with collaboration from DX Sunrise Okayama (DXSUN) and the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start).

Participants engaged actively in discussions and explorative learning within the modern facilities of KIBINOVE. The workshop kicked off with an icebreaker using the card game 'Word Wolf', designed to ease participants' nerves and introduce fundamental concepts of observational and logical thinking through a fun and interactive format. This game encouraged collaboration and light-hearted interaction, creating a friendly atmosphere filled with laughter and conversations.

Following the icebreaker, Ryuuichi Sato from Corvus Securitas shared insights on common cognitive biases that affect decision-making, addressing questions like, "Why do we lose track of priorities?" and "What drives us to make intuitive judgments?" Sato emphasized that logical thinking can serve as a powerful tool to surmount these thought patterns. He stressed that the ability to organize information effectively and to convey it in a comprehensible manner is critical, especially in the increasingly important realms of no-code development and pair programming with AI.

In the latter half of the workshop, participants were divided into pairs to create concise pieces of writing on designated topics, with a focus on clarity—practicing how to articulate their ideas effectively. This segment moved beyond mere discussion into a practice of refining ideas to enhance communication.

The group work involved a highly engaging inquiry posed: "Why do we find ourselves constantly watching short videos?" Participants utilized various analytical tools including the 5W1H method, mind mapping, and logical trees to investigate the underlying reasons and factors influencing this behavior. This multifaceted approach to analysis encouraged creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Subsequently, each group shared their findings, organizing and visualizing the information while articulating their viewpoints and discoveries. Participants left the event not just with new perspectives but also a hands-on experience of the cycle of thinking: "to think, communicate, and then rethink." The responses from attendees highlighted their newfound confidence in public speaking, appreciation for diverse viewpoints, and the pleasure derived from engaging in logical reasoning.

Looking ahead, Okayama University plans to continue offering diverse learning opportunities centered around enhancing critical thinking and practical skills through KIBINOVE. The university remains dedicated to it being a unique institution that strengthens its role as a regional innovation nucleus, and these workshops are a testament to their commitment.

KIBINOVE was established with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as part of their initiative to enhance cooperation between research universities and the wider community. The aim is to foster innovation and address societal challenges through collaborative research and startup initiatives.

Overall, the workshop at Okayama University represents a significant step in cultivating a community of innovative thinkers ready to face the complexities of the modern world. The institution's efforts align with its mission to advance both local and global innovation, actively contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).