August 20, 2008

Purdue leadership course begins Sept. 2 in Crawfordsville

The course, Organizational Leadership and Supervision 345, will be held at the Weliever Building, 1823-29 E. Elmore St., Crawfordsville.

Students may choose to attend one of two class times designed to accommodate shift workers: 4:30-8:20 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 2 to Oct. 21, or 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays from Sept. 6 to Oct. 25.

The course will teach students how to use critical thinking and inductive and deductive reasoning to distinguish between matters of fact and opinion. 

Michele Summers, assistant director of the College of Technology at Lafayette, said the course was developed to help students critically evaluate and analyze information and ideas so they can make sound decisions in the workplace.

"We have heard from business owners who have told us that they like workers who can think outside the box when the need arises," she said. "Solving problems in the workplace often requires more than just following standard operating procedure. This course will put students on the right track to become strong critical thinkers."

There are no prerequisites for the three-credit-hour class, and it is open to anyone in the community. Michael Holder, who has a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and supervision and a master's in career and technical education, will teach the class.

Several employers in Crawfordsville have agreed to reimburse employees who take these courses, Summers said. In addition, financial aid is available, and some students may qualify for assistance through the Purdue Span Plan Adult Student Services Program.

For information about the course or to register, contact the College of Technology at Lafayette at (765) 496-6886 or techlafayette@purdue.edu.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Michele Summers, (765) 496-6886, msummers@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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