“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” –Aristotle.
Critical thinkers don't accept assumptions or ideas at face value. Instead, they question them to discover if the findings are an accurate representation. Above that, critical thinking allows individuals to solve problems systematically rather than through instincts or intuition.
That said, students with critical thinking skills understand the connection between ideas and argument relevance and build strong arguments. These are excellent skills to possess since students process and understand their perspectives better, allowing them to express their ideas confidently.
At the same time, critical thinking helps students understand the world around them, making them exist better with others. Besides, learning acquired in schools is multi-dimensional. It shapes students' interests, future school and career plans and personalities. Although school curriculums are comprehensive, schools must aim to combine learning with critical thinking skills to help students through life.
Still, how do you promote critical skill development to create well-rounded students? Read on for ways to promote necessary thinking skills for students working for their IB certificate in Singapore.
Ways to Increase Critical Thinking Skills as a Student
- Always Ask Questions
Students often need more confidence to ask questions in class. However, asking questions helps students learn better and boosts critical thinking. Of course, they can follow up with their teacher after class to get the necessary answers. One question often leads to another, promoting understanding among learners.
Students should ask teachers to:
- Elaborate further
- Give examples
- Show other ways to learn concepts
- Show them a different point of view
- Explain concepts in simple ways
- Participate in Discussions
Social experiences help learners develop critical thinking skills. They encounter different perspectives,
information, and disagreements through online and in-person discussions. As such, students have more to think about and analyse than while studying alone. Furthermore, participating in discussions improves communication skills, making critical thinking skill development easier. Learners begin asking questions and expressing opinions, which is the sole purpose of discussions.
- Be an Active Learner
Active learning introduces an experiential approach in class. Instead of reciting concepts several times, students must:
- Participate in group and visual learning
- Evaluate case studies
- Participate in demonstrations
Doing this helps understand concepts in depth, promoting critical thinking among learners.
- Use Examples to Study
Stories and examples make learning fun. Above that, students easily remember information since they have practical conclusions. Real-life examples lead to mindful learning, and the facts promote critical skill development.
- Look Beyond Academic Learning
Academic curriculums promote learning to a significant extent. However, there's more to learn away from books. For instance, if something capture's a student's attention, they should do more research to gain new information and understand it better.
Programs like the IB certificate in Singapore provide a different approach to learning, thus building critical thinking skills. It provides a common ground for learners and teachers to reflect and build on the learning process.
- Don't Believe Everything You Hear
Consider different points of view before trusting the first thing you hear. It is the first step to critical thinking. Of course, everyone has different opinions and motives. So, you must ask sources for evidence to support their arguments.
Contemplate other possible solutions, think about both sides of a situation, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses to make better decisions.
- Put Aside Personal Opinions
Holding on to your thoughts or feelings before evaluating a situation prevents deeper understanding. Leave personal biases and opinions aside since they might not always be correct. Be ready to learn new things and accept further information as a part of critical thinking.
- Check Your Work
Through critical thinking, students identify strengths in their arguments, helping them see where to improve. Textbooks are great for learning new information, but students must complement school learning with life skills. Look through the material and think before speaking to develop arguments with factual backing.
- Practise Creativity
When making an enquiry for school admission, parents expect their kids to express themselves creatively to adjust to school. Creativity is a significant part of critical thinking, as it helps learners think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. Practising creativity allows students to consider different and unusual perspectives and brainstorm ideas for better understanding in and outside class.
The Importance of Critical Thinking Among Students
Critical thinking helps learners in their school and personal lives. Here's how:
Critical Thinking is the Key to Career Success
Different professions need individuals with critical thinking skills. These skills are necessary in engineering, accounting, and medical fields. They help with data analysis, creative thinking, methodic planning, and problem-solving. So students with these skills are bound to perform better in the future.
Enhanced Curiosity and Creativity
Critical thinkers question everything and have diverse interests. These students want to know who, why, or what everything means to make sense of different situations. Accepting everything at face value hinders understanding since deep analysis is lacking. Luckily, critical thinking helps students look for ways to advance and improve, which are essential life skills.
Advanced Research Skills
Through critical thinking, students improve their research abilities. They observe, analyse, and conduct experiments for the best results. Doing so helps them become more successful in school work and daily life.
Improved Autonomous Learning
Thinking deeply helps learners form opinions independently because they trust themselves better. Critical thinking skills empower learners to decide confidently and create strong views.
Good Communication
Critical thinking impacts the quality and nature of messages students pass to teachers and fellow learners. The conversations they have and the decisions they make improve communication and interactions, which directly impacts understanding in and outside school.
Problem-Solving
Critical thinking makes learners more attentive and dedicated to problem-solving. This way, they solve personal and some of the world's stubborn issues. Ultimately, students interact better with peers and find better ways to deal with problems in class.
Improved Decision-Making
Critical thinkers make the best decision, and with good reason. Putting personal biases aside, researching, and coming up with suitable conclusions is easier. Ultimately, these students make well-informed decisions.
Critical thinking skill development is paramount for students who want to make better choices. At the same time, they solve problems and prevent misinformation, the sole cause of misunderstanding. That said, asking questions, researching, and practising active listening improve critical thinking and prompt a healthy learning environment for learners.
