What is Critical Thinking?

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Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection
between ideas.

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking.

In essence, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an active learner
rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by intuition or
instinct.

Strategies of Critical Thinking:

1. Questioning Techniques : Questioning is an essential tool for developing critical thinking skills.
Develop questions that require students to dig deeper. Ask open-ended questions instead of “yes” or
“no” questions. Open-ended questions give students an opportunity to examine their own knowledge
on the topic in question.

2. Discussions : Student-centered learning environments promote critical thinking skills by having

discussion in the class. In a student-centered classroom, students rely more on their peers for answers
to their questions than on the teacher.

3. Inquiry-Based Learning :Inquirybased learning is an excellent strategy to get students involved in the
learning process and to engage critical thinking skills. Inquiry-based learning is more than just asking
what students want to learn; it’s about activating interest and curiosity.

4. Collaboration : When students collaborate with their peers, they take ownership of their work, which
promotes independence and critical thinking. Give students time throughout the lessons to have
conversation with their peers and share ideas. Oftentimes, students will learn from each other, which
can eliminate confusion and misunderstandings.

5. Problem-Based Learning : Problem-based learning, or PBL, is a strategy that encourages students to

use critical thinking skills that helps students deepen their understanding. The steps are simple and can
be repeated for each new topic:

i.Explore a specific issue or problem –

ii.Research and brainstorm –

iii.Develop a solution and present it to the class –

iv.Create a call-to-action and steps to be taken –