Critical thinking is one of the abilities we all need but realize later in life. Life is more than working on assignments, jobs, being tech savvy, finding shortcut tools like essay tool, and focusing only on work.
Critical thinking encourages one to be more rational, come up with more logical solutions, and help themselves and those around them with this ability. People who do not have this might end up feeling bland and stuck in situations later in their life.
One of the best ways to instill such qualities is by administering them at an early young age. There are a lot of activities that parents and school teachers can do to ensure that students develop these qualities.
So if you are wondering what are some of the ways by which students can be taught critical thinking in class, then here they are:
1) Encourage them to ask questions
One of the ways by which students can develop critical thinking abilities is when they acquire the flexibility to ask questions. Students who are shy and do not ask questions do not have any inquisitive nature, making them feel stuck in one place. This also makes them introverted, shy, and reserved, and with age, this becomes a personality that limits their growth scope read also Electric Car.
Teachers can encourage students to ask questions after every session. They can also take this one step forward by asking them individually. Shy students can be targeted to individual sessions to make them comfortable about opening up.
2) Allot group activities
Students can learn a lot from each other. The ability to think critically often develops when students are pushed to leave their comfort zone. We are all so accustomed to our usual ways that participating in group activities can be challenging. Putting students in group activities allows them to work with other students, and question their thoughts, and beliefs.
3) Ask them to be creative
Being creative is again something that calls for one to be out of the box. Being creative does not mean being creative with the arts and crafts only. One can be creative in-class work, jobs, family events, and more. There are a lot of jobs that call for creativity. paraphrase for me Creative people can showcase this talent elsewhere, which can be very fulfilling.
To develop this trait, one has to be different from the ordinary. They must find ways and develop skills to enhance and discover their creativity. Those who critically think about their roles and position are willing to be creative to stand out.
4) Solving logical puzzles and quizzes
Another way of developing critical thinking abilities is by solving quizzes and puzzles. Many games ask one to be more logical and use their mind rationally. Teachers can take the initiative of allowing such games to be held in class. If not in class, professors can put down links and means to play such games to spread awareness.
Kids love playing games, and that is why they love to participate in this. Also, recent studies show that students respond to innovative ways of learning way more than following traditional means. So why not employ techniques in class that can provoke critical learning abilities?
5) Organise debates
Debates are one of the best ways to know about other person’s thoughts and beliefs. Most people are limited to their own simple thoughts and beliefs because no one has challenged them. Debates are not only about questioning and improving Communication Skills, but it also helps one to improve their thinking style and open up to new ideas.
Students can be allotted a certain topic and asked to debate on it. This should be a mandatory activity so that all students understand how important it is not only from an educational point of life but with a broader vision.
6) Changing perspective
The whole point of critical thinking ability is for one to go beyond their logic and vision. Certain questions from the teachers and parents allow students to develop their inquisitive nature and think differently. Professors can allot certain tasks to students and ask them to come up with different solutions for the same problem.
Teach them how to spot fake news, and how to research and examine a source to come up with legit data. This can be achieved through various activities or direct communication. If parents or professors take the time to sit down and elaborate on ways to develop critical ability, students will be exposed to more ideas on how to develop this skill.
7) Watch inquisitive movies
Another fun way of developing critical thinking abilities is by asking students to watch inquisitive movies. Gone are the days when parents, teachers, and students used to think that watching movies is bad. Now there are various genres of movies. Some are inspirational documentaries, while others are works on science and space.
When one gets bored of reading and going through notes, they always have the option of watching movies. A certain ending, beginning, or plot can activate the critical thinking abilities of students. This way, students can brainstorm and come up with new ideas and thoughts.
8) Talk about practical subjects
We all like to receive information on practical subjects. For example, ask students what they think about extracurricular activities. Or what is the perfect age for students to start watching movies? Questions like these can be relatable to them, and their life which automatically generates curiosity.
So instead of just focusing on academics, go beyond that. Talk about practical topics and state how significant it is. Based on the student and their experience they would love to gain wisdom on practical knowledge too.
Critical thinking is an ability that comes in handy in academic life and in real-life situations. This is a trait that makes one smart and likable. If you want to be more accountable and develop leadership qualities, one of the best ways is to work on critical thinking. We all have different circumstances and experiences, which allows us to be more diverse and open-minded and use the science of reasoning and deduction before coming to judgment.
Author bio
Stack Walker is a lecturer at the University of Colorado. She has done a master’s in economics and has been teaching students for over + years. Currently, she is working at MyAssignmenthelp.com to help students in need.
