How to Raise a Critical Thinker

Overview of Critical Thinking

We should strive to raise children who constantly ask thoughtful questions, challenge the so-called experts, and examine the answers closely. This is the basis of critical thinking.

There is an immense benefit of critical thinking. Our world is facing a plethora of challenges, with several more in the pipeline. We need students and citizens who question things that are usually presented as “facts.” Students need to ask critical as well as thoughtful questions of their leaders. Moreover, they need to think with extreme care regarding how they make decisions that eventually impact theirs as well as other people’s lives.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a process that is intellectually disciplined and one that involves active and skillful conceptualisation, application, analysis, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information that is gathered from, or generated through, observing, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as an effective guide to belief as well as action.

The above definition may sound wordy, but in its essence, critical thinking is not too complex.

Critical thinking is merely deliberate and systematic processing of information so that individuals make better, well-informed decisions and have a better understanding of things.

Learning to think critically and make the right decisions that are based on those precise thinking skills are surely a lifelong pursuit. As the best international school in Mumbai , Aditya Birla World Academy strives to raise critical thinkers and “plant the seeds” that will successfully help children to be prepared for complex thinking as they gradually grow older.

As an international school in Mumbai , we have arrived at the below-mentioned conclusions:

• Students need to feel that their contribution to knowledge development is surely welcomed within an environment of trust.
• Learning experiences must offer a blend of both support and challenges.
• Development generally emerges from new or unexpected experiences, in which an individual needs supported time to both reflect and process.
• Educational experiences must support the intellectual as well as emotional growth of the student

What are the 5 Critical Thinking Skills?

Mastering critical thinking skills is indispensable when it comes to succeeding in life. Without the ability to think critically, one would not be able to solve problems efficiently, make effective decisions, or communicate in a clear manner.

So, when it comes to the question, “What are the 5 critical thinking skills?” the answer is:

1. Observation
2. Analysis
3. Inference
4. Communication
5. Problem Solving

These critical thinking skills throw more light on the question, “what is critical thinking?”

Now, let us focus on how to raise a critical thinker because the benefit of critical thinking is immense.

1. Create an Environment of Trust Wherein Children Feel That Their Opinions Matter

Ask children to contribute to family decisions. In this way, you are helping them to learn to ask respectful questions of those who hold authoritative positions (such as teachers and doctors). Moreover, kids must be encouraged to ask questions even if they feel that their questions may be silly. One must closely listen to their questions, pause in what they are doing to successfully engage in the conversation, compliment them for being curious, and demonstrate that one appreciates the intensity of their thinking.

2. Offer Challenges and Provide Support as Kids Navigate Through Complicated Concepts

One surefire way to do this is by selective use of the Socratic method. While on some occasions, children just want answers from parents and teachers, there exist other times when they eventually benefit from answering a question with a question. For instance, if a 6-year-old kid asks why he is not allowed to play with toy guns, parents could start a complicated political discussion about their feelings on gun control or alternatively, ask the child to speculate on why he or she thinks that rule is in place.

3. Expose Children to New, Unexpected Experiences

Take your child along with you at whatever level is appropriate: for example, to the supermarket or mall. Talk to them about why you are choosing certain products over others without getting involved in confusing or scary debates about healthcare and diseases. To help them learn how to process these experiences, one must try to model critical thinking ability by walking them through some of one’s own decision-making, without overcomplicating or talking for so long that distraction creeps in and they stop listening.

4. Support the Child’s Emotional and Intellectual Growth in the Critical Thinking Ability

One must realise that fostering critical thinking ability and discussions that go along with it can be quite emotionally draining. While it is vital to ask children effective questions and to challenge them to come up with their own answers, there may arrive times wherein they feel overwhelmed. One must observe their children and be equally sensitive to their emotions. On some occasions, one must help them to find a resolution that works, at least for the time being.

Lastly, when it comes to critical thinking ability, one can help children develop the ability to comprehend others’ emotions (which is a highly crucial component of critical thinking): by engaging with children in discussions about putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.