How to sharpen a student’s critical thinking skills

Scientific studies indicate that critical thinking skills are among the most highly valued attributes that employers look for in job seekers. They want staff who can solve problems, make decisions and take appropriate action at the right time. In school and college, students require strong critical thinking skills to read and write effectively. Critical thinking will allow students to do more than just recall what they learn. The sharper their critical thinking skills, the better are they at their academic pursuits.  

What is critical thinking all about? 
Critical thinking is the art of systematically and consciously processing information so that one can make the finest decision and commonly understand things better. Experts agree that certain elements are essential for critical thinking. They include: 

• Communication and Information skills 
• Thinking and Problem-Solving skills 
• Interpersonal and Self- Directional skills 
• Collaboration skills 

Developing critical thinking skills in students 
Providing opportunities to practise critical thinking will assist students in analysing others’ thinking and examining the logic of others. 

Start lessons with probing questions: When students begin learning something by understanding why they are to learn it, how is it relevant to their lives, or how it will help them make sense of the world, then they are more likely to engage in an in-depth study of the same. These aren’t simple yes or no questions, but inspire discovery learning and problem solving. 

Encourage project-based learning: Help students with real-life application of their theoretical knowledge. Project-based learning is a good way of ensuring this. It introduces new knowledge, concepts, and ideas that motivate the students to learn and also develop critical thinking skills. Inspire them to work with their peers and enhance collaborative effort. 

Allow them some independence: Many times, teachers have their lesson plans planned out to the finest details. While it may help run the classroom smoothly, it doesn’t leave any opportunity for students to freely and creatively engage with the content on their own. The freedom to learn results in the intensified sense of ownership of the problem and creative access to solutions elevates critical thinking. 

Promote analysis and assessment of ideas: Allow students to come with their own theories on how the material they are studying connects to other topics. Any original idea they have, lets them analyse and assess their credibility on the basis of validity and logic. The objective is to push them to think critically about their own perceptions as well as others’. Let the students work through a productive struggle. 

Connecting to real life stories: Using analogies and adding a humanised narrative to lessons helps students understand relevance, rigor and critical thinking. Ask the students open ended questions and let them reflect with their classmates to work out the different perspectives.