Critical thinking should be the central element of any study curriculum
For the past five decades, researchers have emphasized the necessity of introducing critical thinking in schools and education systems. According to studies, graduates with critical thinking skills are considered more open-minded and knowledgeable. In fact, critical thinking has evolved to become one of the most sought-after skills by employers, politicians, and other significant economic entities. Individuals who can think critically are considered more resourceful due to their advanced ability to critically analyze problems and make sound decisions. Educators and study programs are, therefore, facing increasing pressure to teach this valuable skill.
Critical thinking is all about influencing clear, rational, unbiased, and independent thinking. It focuses on improving how one thinks, approaches, and analyses different situations. Critical thinkers have the ability to think about a problem carefully, conceptualize, and evaluate the information guided by observation, experience, and reasoning to make effective decisions.
Critical thinking can be very beneficial to learners. Research has shown that critical thinking is an added advantage to natural intelligence in making real-life decisions. It allows students to develop strategies for dealing with information and working collaboratively, which impacts on how one thinks, learns, and reasons. When an issue arises in a workplace environment, employees or managers with critical thinking skills tend to look beyond conventional solutions, seek new unexplored ideas, which is very critical for practical problem-solving. Critical thinking is also important because it’s an all-around skill beneficial in all tasks, situations, careers, challenges, and opportunities beyond the classroom environment.
But teaching critical thinking in the classroom environment is not easy. The process is challenging and requires experience and practice. Critical thinking requires one to first learn small and basic skills before advancing to more complex issues. There is also a big difference between theory and practice. While the theoretical and broader framework of critical thinking is essential, having a conceptual understanding of a specific area can be more helpful.
As hard as it sounds, the good news is that critical thinking can be improved through training. While educators are aspiring to produce critical thinkers, they are not well acquainted with the process of teaching the actual skill. Critical thinking should be taught deliberately and explicitly rather than assuming that it is acquired by simply helping students solve complicated queries. Critical thinking is the foundation of creativity, good judgment, better decision making, and should be prioritized in education and study programs.
