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Effects of Active Learning on Enhancing Student Critical Thinking in an Undergraduate General Science Course

• Published: 12 September 2012
• Volume 38 , pages 223–235, ( 2013 )

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• Kyoungna Kim 1 ,
• Priya Sharma 2 ,
• Susan M. Land 2 &
• Kevin P. Furlong 3  

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To enhance students’ critical thinking in an undergraduate general science course, we designed and implemented active learning modules by incorporating group-based learning with authentic tasks, scaffolding, and individual reports. This study examined the levels of critical thinking students exhibited in individual reports and the students’ critical thinking level change over time. Findings indicated that students’ average critical thinking level fell in the category of “developing”, but students’ scores on individual reports revealed a statistically significant increase. The study suggested that the active learning strategies employed in the study were useful to promote student critical thinking.

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Acknowledgement

This material is based in part upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 0607995 . Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Kim, K., Sharma, P., Land, S.M. et al. Effects of Active Learning on Enhancing Student Critical Thinking in an Undergraduate General Science Course. Innov High Educ 38 , 223–235 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-012-9236-x

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Effect of problem-based learning on critical thinking skills

N Fadilla 1 , L Nurlaela 2 , T Rijanto 1 , S R Ariyanto 3,4 , L Rahmah 5 and S Huda 1

Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd Journal of Physics: Conference Series , Volume 1810 , The 3rd International Conference on Vocational Education and Technology (IConVET) 2020 7 November 2020, Bali, Indonesia Citation N Fadilla et al 2021 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 1810 012060 DOI 10.1088/1742-6596/1810/1/012060

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2 Department of Vocational Education, Postgraduate, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia

3 Automotive Technology Vocational Education, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Bhinneka PGRI, Tulungagung, Indonesia

4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia

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Students' critical thinking skills cannot develop appropriately if in the learning process, the teacher is not active. Therefore, to improve students' critical thinking skills, a teacher should choose and use strategies, approaches, and methods techniques that involve students actively in learning, both in manner mental, physical, and social. One alternative learning that provides opportunities for students to develop students' critical thinking skills in problem solving is problem-based learning. This research was a research study literature examining related journal application of problem-based learning to improve critical thinking skills. The findings of this study included: (1) the implementation of PBL has the potential to help students motivate and provide learning experiences; and (2) PBL implementation is very useful in improving students' critical thinking skills, provided that teachers and students can apply each stage of PBL well.

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Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Why Is Critical Thinking Important? A Survival Guide

Updated: December 7, 2023

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

You’ve surely heard of critical thinking, but you might not be entirely sure what it really means, and that’s because there are many definitions. For the most part, however, we think of critical thinking as the process of analyzing facts in order to form a judgment. Basically, it’s thinking about thinking.

How Has The Definition Evolved Over Time?

The first time critical thinking was documented is believed to be in the teachings of Socrates , recorded by Plato. But throughout history, the definition has changed.

Today it is best understood by philosophers and psychologists and it’s believed to be a highly complex concept. Some insightful modern-day critical thinking definitions include :

• “Reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”
• “Deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

6. The Basis Of Science & Democracy

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How to Think Critically

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do. However, much of this important skill is encouraged to be practiced at school, and rightfully so! Critical thinking goes beyond just thinking clearly — it’s also about thinking for yourself.

When a teacher asks a question in class, students are given the chance to answer for themselves and think critically about what they learned and what they believe to be accurate. When students work in groups and are forced to engage in discussion, this is also a great chance to expand their thinking and use their critical thinking skills.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Once you’ve finished school and entered the workforce, your critical thinking journey only expands and grows from here!

Impress Your Employer

Employers value employees who are critical thinkers, ask questions, offer creative ideas, and are always ready to offer innovation against the competition. No matter what your position or role in a company may be, critical thinking will always give you the power to stand out and make a difference.

Careers That Require Critical Thinking

Some of many examples of careers that require critical thinking include:

• Human resources specialist
• Marketing associate
• Business analyst

Truth be told however, it’s probably harder to come up with a professional field that doesn’t require any critical thinking!

Photo by  Oladimeji Ajegbile  from  Pexels

What is someone with critical thinking skills capable of doing.

Someone with critical thinking skills is able to think rationally and clearly about what they should or not believe. They are capable of engaging in their own thoughts, and doing some reflection in order to come to a well-informed conclusion.

A critical thinker understands the connections between ideas, and is able to construct arguments based on facts, as well as find mistakes in reasoning.

The Process Of Critical Thinking

The process of critical thinking is highly systematic.

What Are Your Goals?

Critical thinking starts by defining your goals, and knowing what you are ultimately trying to achieve.

Once you know what you are trying to conclude, you can foresee your solution to the problem and play it out in your head from all perspectives.

What Does The Future Of Critical Thinking Hold?

The future of critical thinking is the equivalent of the future of jobs. In 2020, critical thinking was ranked as the 2nd top skill (following complex problem solving) by the World Economic Forum .

We are dealing with constant unprecedented changes, and what success is today, might not be considered success tomorrow — making critical thinking a key skill for the future workforce.

Why Is Critical Thinking So Important?

Why is critical thinking important? Critical thinking is more than just important! It’s one of the most crucial cognitive skills one can develop.

By practicing well-thought-out thinking, both your thoughts and decisions can make a positive change in your life, on both a professional and personal level. You can hugely improve your life by working on your critical thinking skills as often as you can.

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The Benefits of Critical Thinking & How to develop it

April 02, 2024

Before we proceed to understand the importance and benefits of critical thinking for students, it is important to understand what critical thinking is.

Critical thinking is the mode of thinking about any subject, problem, or content. It skillfully thinks. Later, it implements and inherent those intellectual thoughts upon them. The best part of critical thinking is, it improves the quality of thinking.

It has intellectual values like clarity, sound evidence, precision, good reasons, relevance, consistency, depth, breadth, and fairness.

Critical thinking requires a proper process, it involves skillfully conceptualizing, analyzing different aspects, synthesizing, most importantly evaluating whatever information is gathered, keenly observing all factors, and experiencing the overall view.

Now let us understand the benefits of critical thinking.

1] it helps to improve decision-making.

Critical thinking will let you make decisions by yourself. It will help you improve decision-making.

For students, while making career decisions or making a new career move, it is crucial to make quick decisions, and hence critical thinking plays a vital role here.

2] Enhances problem-solving ability

Problem-solving is the key skill required for adapting to changes and facing challenges.

This skill of critical thinking should be developed by students to avoid making any situation complex and help find a solution to it.

For instance, two people in the same situation have been given a task and asked to find a solution. One person might take 5 minutes yet can’t give a relevant solution, whereas another person with problem-solving ability will dedicate enough time to research and provide a relevant solution.

Read Here: The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills & How to Develop Them

3] refine your research skills.

Critical Thinking will refine your research skills, moreover will help you research accurately by observing, analyzing, synthesizing, and experimenting with every aspect in detail for a better result.

4] Polishes your creativity

It will help you polish your creative side. Creativity unquestionably defines itself as a requisite skill in the collaborative modern workforce. As critical thinking will surely polish your creativity.

5] Stimulates Curiosity

It stimulates curiosity in you to find the right solution for the problem or the subject you are working on. Curiosity will let you dig and delve deeper to get a better result. This factor will let you stay a lifelong learner.

All these aspects of critical thinking play a vital role in Banking and financial sector. If you are seeking to develop these crucial skills, then you must certainly opt for ‘ Thadomal Shahani Centre for Management ’ institute based in Mulund, Mumbai.

It is one of the Best institutes, aids in developing critical thinking with its innovative teaching methodology, and focuses on comprehensive development, providing students with a globally relevant curriculum, and international faculty members who have hands-on business leadership.

Additionally, If you want to enroll in Certificate in Banking and Financial Services (CBFS) or top global MBA courses, you can contact us for detailed information where you will find the program, curriculum, specializations, certifications, eligibility criteria, and everything related to it.

Consult a Career Advisor

Now lets us learn how to develop critical thinking skills, – ask questions.

For developing critical skills, it is important to ask more questions. The more you ask questions, the more the curiosity and quest to learn increase. The questions will clarify your thinking, and conceptualizing and analyzing will become more accessible through it.

– Scrutinize the consequences

By asking questions, you have the availability of various options. However, you must not make a hasty decision. You have to scrutinize the consequences of each option and accordingly take a decision. Therefore, it will lead to solving your problems.

– Become Active Listener

To be a critical thinker, you need to first be an active listener. You will ask numerous questions to satisfy your quest, but to know the answers, you need to be a good listener too. Listen to different people’s thoughts, views, and opinions; these will help you form your own decisions.

Know what are the advantages of developing Critical Thinking Skills

Now that you know the importance and advantages of critical thinking.

Important Links:

• Certificate in Banking and Financial Services (CBFS): https://tscfm.org/courses/certificate-in-banking-and-financial-services/
• 4-IN-1 Professional Diploma in Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (PDBFSI): https://tscfm.org/courses/4-in-1-professional-diploma-in-banking-financial-services-insurance-pdbfsi/

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Effect of a Model for Critical Thinking on Student Achievement...

Effect of a Model for Critical Thinking on Student Achievement in Primary Source Document Analysis and Interpretation, Argumentative Reasoning, Critical Thinking Dispositions and History Content in a Community College History Course

   Abstract of the Study, conducted by Jenny Reed, in partial fulfillment for her dissertation (October 26, 1998) For the full study, click here.

This study investigated the effect of integrating Richard Paul's model for critical thinking into a U.S. history course on community college students' 1) abilities to think critically about U.S. history and about everyday issues, 2) dispositions toward thinking critically, and 3) knowledge of history content. This study also examined if age (under 22, 22 and older) or gender moderated the effectiveness of the instructional method.

Four sections of U.S. History, 1877 to the Present, participated in this one-semester study. Two sections were randomly selected to serve as the experimental group and the other two sections served as the control group. The experimental group (n = 29) received approximately 90 minutes of explicit instruction distributed over the semester in using Paul's model for critical thinking to analyze and interpret primary source documents. In addition, the model was integrated into a series of assigned classroom activities. The control group (n = 23) was taught in a more traditional manner.

Students took three pretests and four posttests to measure the effectiveness of the instructional model: a Documents Based Question (DBQ) from an Advanced Placement Examination, the Ennis-Weir Critical Thinking Essay Test, the California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory (CCTDI), and a History Content Exam. The primary statistical analyses were done with 2 (group) x 2 (age) x 2 (gender) ANCOVAs using pretests as covariates. The experimental group scored significantly higher on the DBQ, p = .004, and on the Ennis -Weir, p = .0001. Effect sizes (Cohen's f) were DBQ = .48 and Ennis-Weir = .83. Statistical tests did not indicate significant differences on the CCTDI or on the History Content Exam. No significant differences were found in the effectiveness of the method of instruction by age or gender.

Three major findings emerged from this study: 1) community college students' abilities to think historically and to think critically improved in a single course; 2) community college students' end of term knowledge of history content did not suffer when training in critical thinking abilities was integrated into course material; 3) age and gender did not play significant roles in developing college students' critical thinking abilities.

For the full study, click here.

Does Technology Help Boost Students’ Critical Thinking Skills?

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Does using technology in school actually help improve students’ thinking skills? Or hurt them?

That’s the question the Reboot Foundation, a nonprofit, asked in a new report examining the impact of technology usage. The foundation analyzed international tests, like the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA, which compares student outcomes in different nations, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP, which is given only in the U.S. and considered the “Nation’s Report Card.”

The Reboot Foundation was started—and funded—by Helen Bouygues , whose background is in business, to explore the role of technology in developing critical thinking skills. It was inspired by Bouygues’ own concerns about her daughter’s education.

The report’s findings: When it comes to the PISA, there’s little evidence that technology use has a positive impact on student scores, and some evidence that it could actually drag it down. As for the NAEP? The results varied widely, depending on the grade level, test, and type of technology used. For instance, students who used computers to do research for reading projects tended to score higher on the reading portion of the NAEP. But there wasn’t a lot of positive impact from using a computer for spelling or grammar practice.

And 4th-graders who used tablets in all or almost all of their classes scored 14 points lower on the reading exam than those who reported never using tablets. That’s the equivalent of a year’s worth of learning, according to the report.

However, 4th-graders students who reported using laptops or desktop computers “in some classes” outscored students who said they “never” used these devices in class by 13 points. That’s also the equivalent of a year’s worth of learning. And 4th-grade students who said they used laptops or desktop computers in “more than half” or “all” classes scored 10 points higher than students who said they never used those devices in class.

Spending too much time on computers wasn’t helpful.

“There were ceiling effects of technology, and moderate use of technology appeared to have the best association with testing outcomes,” the report said. “This occurred across a number of grades, subjects, and reported computer activities.”

In fact, there’s a negative correlation between time spent on the computer during the school day and NAEP score on the 4th-grade reading NAEP.

That trend was somewhat present, although less clearly, on the 8th-grade reading NAEP.

“Overall usage of technology is probably not just not great, but actually can lower scores and testing for basic education [subjects like math, reading, science],” said Bouygues. “Even in the middle school, heavy use of technology does lower scores, but if you do have things that are specifically catered to a specific subject, that actually serves a purpose.”

For instance, she said her daughter, a chess enthusiast, has gotten help from digital sources in mastering the game. But asking kids to spend a chunk of every day typing on Microsoft Word, as some classrooms do in France, isn’t going to help teach higher-order thinking skills.

She cautioned though, that the report stops short of making a casual claim and saying that sitting in front of a laptop harms students’ ability to be critical thinkers. The researchers didn’t have the kind of evidence needed to be able to make that leap.

For more research on the impact of technology on student outcomes, take a look at these stories:

• Technology in Education: An Overview
• Computers + Collaboration = Student Learning, According to New Meta-Analysis
• Technology Has No Impact on Teaching and Learning (opinion)

Image: Getty

A version of this news article first appeared in the Digital Education blog.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

This article is part of the research topic.

Education for the Future: Learning and Teaching for Sustainable Development in Education

Blending Pedagogy: Equipping Student Teachers to Foster Transversal Competencies in Future-oriented Education Provisionally Accepted

• 1 Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Blended teaching and learning, combining online and face-to-face instruction, and shared reflection are gaining in popularity worldwide and present evolving challenges in the field of teacher training and education. There is also a growing need to focus on transversal competencies such as critical thinking and collaboration. This study is positioned at the intersection of blended education and transversal competencies in the context of a blended ECEC teacher-training program (1000+) at the University of Helsinki. Blended education is a novel approach to training teachers, and there is a desire to explore how such an approach supports the acquisition of transversal competencies and whether the associated methods offer something essential for the development of teacher training. The aim is to explore what transversal competencies this teacher-training program supports for future teachers, and how students reflect on their learning experiences. The data consist of documents from teacher-education curricula and essays from the students on the 1000+ program. They were content-analyzed from a scoping perspective. Students' experiences of studying enhanced the achievement of generic goals in teacher education, such as to develop critical and reflective thinking, interaction competence, collaboration skills, and independent and collective expertise. We highlight the importance of teacher development in preparing for education in the future during the teacher training. Emphasizing professional development, we challenge the conventional teaching paradigm by introducing a holistic approach.

Keywords: blended teacher training, Transversal competencies, future of education, Teacher Education, early childhood education

Received: 19 Jan 2024; Accepted: 15 May 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Niemi, Kangas and Köngäs. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Laura H. Niemi, Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Uusimaa, Finland

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Topeka High students' critical thinking draws visit from Stanford University professor

S tanford University professor Greg Watkins visited Topeka High School to meet students from his online course on philosophy and morality.

Watkins has taught moral philosophy for more than 20 years, said Stanford communications director Jonathan Rabinovitz. This is the second year the course has been provided to Topeka High students.

For the course, Topeka High gifted facilitator Sara Schafer hosts the current 17 students taking the course in her classroom. She assists with providing the readings and helping facilitate the discussions while Topeka High students talk over Zoom with Stanford graduate students selected by Watkins.

Stanford professor commends his students at Topeka High

Watkins said he chose to visit Topeka High this year because of how impressed he was with them the past two years.

"It's just their ability to take the material seriously, to share their own views about it, rather than guess at what I might want to hear or what the undergrads might want to hear," Watkins said during his Thursday visit. "They pay attention in a way that it becomes like a 10-week conversation because that's another goal of this class."

Throughout the course, students read and discussed works from such philosophers as Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche and W.E.B Du Bois.

"So one thing I think has been really powerful about this course is that once students figure out that there aren't really wrong answers, they're able to express themselves in ways that they might not feel comfortable expressing themselves in other courses," Schafer said. "Where it's very evident a sort of correct answer, a correct interpretation ... and think about how the course material applies to their own lives.

"So we've just had some really wonderful discussions from kids who maybe are not the strongest writers."

Never too old or young to learn

While discussing a piece of writing about how humans are good in nature, a student surprised Watkins by suggesting an interpretation he had not heard or thought of in the 20 years of teaching the course.

"It's rare that there's something new, but we had a lunchtime discussion and it's that sentence on the board (a gentleman is not a pot), which is from Confucius," Watkins said. "I just never tire of doing something like that with some students because the conversation that happens, even though you cover some of the same territory, is distinctive."

Schafer said she enjoys being the in-person teacher for this and other similar courses because she learns with the class.

"Students always observe things that I don't observe, notice pieces of text that are unnoticed by me and have perspectives that I hadn't considered," Schafer said. "And so one of the pieces that I really enjoy about this course in particular, is there's a chance for me to be a lifelong learner."

Topeka High class gives a chance to think critically

Multiple students said they enjoy the course because the knowledge given is meant to be used mindfully instead of repeating facts.

"I like this course because it challenged me and also allowed me to you know, share my thoughts on stuff like this and just get to think more instead of just regurgitating facts," sophomore Atchison Henderson said.

Other students said the class was a chance to expand their minds in new ways.

"I really enjoyed it, because it's not a very difficult class," sophomore David Erwin said, "but you have to look into yourself and think about answers to very thought-provoking questions that usually you don't get to do in any other class."

Topeka High students learn a new way of thinking

While the students said they took away different things from the course, they all agreed their mindset would be forever changed.

"The class gave me the confidence to look inside of myself for questions and ask other people about their own thoughts about philosophy or deeper questions about life," sophomore Abigail Nichols said.

Another student said she plans to continue her exploration of knowledge.

"Yeah, I think it'll just like make me look more into like the people around me and see just how they are, how they act and continue to ask these kinds of questions and just kind of further my own wisdom or knowledge and be able to share that with other people," junior Keelie Colstrom said.

Students say they enjoy challenging their own beliefs

This year's class size nearly doubled from last year's nine participants. As this year's course is coming to a close, Schafer said she already plans to host the course again next year and hopes other schools follow suit.

Students were asked if they would recommend the class to future students and each asked said yes. Some students said the course is mentally challenging because you'll have to challenge and face your own beliefs and views. They also said not to be afraid.

"I'd say you're not alone," sophomore Ruby Lindsay-Ybarra said. "You have a whole class of people that can help you. You have shapers who can help you. Even if you think you're scared because of the course load, don't be, because you have people who can help."

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka High students' critical thinking draws visit from Stanford University professor

Critical Thinking in Education

Critical thinking (also known as objective analysis) is a cornerstone of education, serving as a fundamental skill that equips students with the ability to navigate a rapidly changing world. Research indicates that such skills are strongly correlated with academic success and are essential for future workplace readiness. According to a study by the American Management Association, 9 out of 10 employers believe that critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are crucial for job performance. In today's knowledge-based economy, where information is abundant but often conflicting, students must develop the capacity to discern credible sources, analyze complex issues, and formulate well-reasoned arguments.

Moreover, it fosters intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. A National Association of Colleges and Employers report found that 80% of employers prioritize candidates with strong critical thinking skills when making hiring decisions. Beyond the classroom, it empowers individuals to become active and engaged citizens, capable of understanding diverse perspectives, challenging assumptions, and advocating for positive change in their communities. By integrating it into educational curricula, institutions can cultivate a generation of innovative thinkers equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century and contribute meaningfully to society.

Benefits of Critical Thinking in Education

Enhances problem-solving skills.

Objective analysis equips students with the tools to identify problems and encourages them to delve deeper into root causes and potential solutions. Through critical analysis and evaluation of different approaches, students learn to think strategically and creatively when faced with education challenges. Moreover, by honing their ability to anticipate consequences and consider multiple standpoints, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues, enabling them to devise innovative and effective solutions that address underlying concerns.

Promotes independent Learning

Critical thinking empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey by fostering intellectual curiosity and self-motivation. By encouraging active engagement with course materials and fostering a spirit of inquiry, educators can inspire students to explore topics beyond the confines of the classroom. Through self-directed research, reflection, and analysis, students develop the critical thinking skills and confidence to seek information, critically evaluate its relevance and credibility, and synthesize diverse viewpoints into well-informed opinions and arguments.

Prepares for Future Career Success

In today's rapidly evolving job market, critical thinking has emerged as a key competency sought after by employers across industries. Beyond technical expertise, employers value employees who can think analytically, solve complex problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. By cultivating objective analysis skills, educational institutions prepare students to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence and agility. Whether tackling challenging projects, collaborating with diverse teams, or making strategic decisions, individuals with strong critical thinking abilities are better positioned to thrive in dynamic and competitive environments.

Fosters Citizenship and Civic Engagement

Objective analysis is essential for personal and professional success and is crucial in shaping informed and engaged citizens. In an era of misinformation and polarization, the ability to discern fact from fiction and critically evaluate sources of information is more important than ever. By teaching students to approach information with skepticism, to ask probing questions, and to seek out diverse perspectives, educators empower them to become discerning consumers and contributors to public discourse. Armed with critical thinking tools, students are better equipped to navigate complex social, political, and ethical issues, participate meaningfully in democratic processes, and advocate for positive change in their communities and beyond.

How to Improve Critical Thinking in Education?

Improving critical thinking requires deliberate practice and honing one's analytical abilities. Here are several strategies to enhance critical thinking:

• Cultivate curiosity

Foster a curious mindset with critical thinking by asking questions, seeking new lookouts, and exploring diverse viewpoints. Encourage curiosity-driven inquiry inside and outside the classroom to stimulate intellectual engagement and spark creative thinking.

• Develop analytical skills

Sharpen your critical thinking abilities by breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. During education, practice identifying patterns, connections, and underlying assumptions to gain deeper insights and formulate well-reasoned conclusions.

• Evaluate evidence critically

Train yourself to assess the credibility and reliability of information with critical thinking through scrutinizing sources, considering biases, and verifying facts. As an education seeker, practice discerning between reputable sources and misinformation, and challenge yourself to approach information with skepticism.

• Practice active listening

Hone your critical thinking and listening skills by paying close attention to others' standpoints, ideas, and arguments. For education, practice active listening techniques such as paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing key points to demonstrate understanding and foster constructive dialogue.

• Engage in reflective thinking

Set aside time for introspection and self-reflection to evaluate your beliefs, assumptions, and decision-making processes. As a critical thinking expert, consider alternative viewpoints and outlooks, and be open to revising your opinions based on new information or insights.

• Seek out diverse perspectives

Expand your worldview by exposing yourself to various perspectives, experiences, and cultural backgrounds subject to critical thinking during education. Engage in respectful dialogue with individuals with different viewpoints, and be receptive to learning from their POV.

• Practice problem-solving

To improve critical thinking, challenge yourself to solve problems creatively by exploring multiple solutions and considering their potential outcomes. Embrace trial and error as part of the learning process, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Collaborate with others

Collaborative learning environments provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, debate complex issues, and receive peer feedback. Throughout education, engage in group discussions, teamwork, and peer review activities to enhance your critical thinking skills through collective problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

• Engage in interdisciplinary learning

Broaden your knowledge base by exploring topics and subjects outside your expertise. Interdisciplinary learning encourages building connections with critical thinking between different fields of study, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues and promoting creative problem-solving approaches that draw upon diverse perspectives and methodologies.

• Practice mindfulness

Cultivate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques for education to enhance critical thinking, focus, clarity, and mental agility. Mindfulness promotes awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and cognitive processes, allowing you to approach challenges with greater insight, resilience, and presence of mind.

• Embrace intellectual humility

Adopt a humble attitude toward your education, knowledge, and beliefs, recognizing that there is always more to learn and perspectives to consider. Cultivate a willingness to admit when you don't have all the answers and seek input from others who may offer valuable insights or alternative viewpoints. By remaining open-minded and receptive to feedback, you can continuously refine your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of complex issues. If you’d like to learn more about how to improve critical thinking , feel free to consult this guide.

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How one school is using local food systems to teach critical thinking

How do you teach critical thinking to high school students? Most schools might assign a paper or an end-of-year test, but at The Sage School in Hailey, Idaho, they've got something even better.

It's called "The Feast," and it's the defining project of their journey through school, incorporating everything from studying the American food system, Idaho agriculture, soil science, food justice, finances and ecosystems.

This year's feast happens Thursday, May 16, and Amy Morrison, the lead teacher for this project, along with two of the students involved, Tristan Boloix and Sarah Leidecker, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.

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