Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is an essential life skill, especially in an age where deceptions like “my truth” and “your truth” run
rampant.

In some cases, there are invisible barriers to critical thinking that must first be broken down before progress can
be made.

Because it is so vitally important for our teens to develop such skills—to think for themselves in a world pressuring
them to tow the line—I think it’s worth addressing potential obstacles in their way.

Here are some common barriers to critical thinking that may reveal themselves as you seek to teach this vital skill.

1. Lack of Practice

Considering what causes a lack of critical thinking, the word “practice” comes to mind.

The phrase “practice makes progress” rings true when developing critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking may be discussed at length and encouraged theoretically, but is it expressed in the assignments or
exercises our teens do on a daily basis?

Sadly, many assignments simply ask for regurgitated facts from a textbook that require little to no real thinking.

If we want to see our students thrive in the realm of critical thinking, we need to provide them with opportunities to
practice and apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations.

2. Perceived Inability to Teach It

The idea that you’re not capable of teaching such a thing may just become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

If you believe you can’t teach critical thinking, you may not even try. If you do try, you may be plagued by self-
doubt that shakes your confidence.

If you’ve ever thought …

“Why is critical thinking so difficult?”

You’re not alone.

It can be hard to plainly identify what critical thinking is and how to teach it. That’s one of the main reasons we
created Philosophy Adventure—to provide an intriguing way to teach critical thinking effectively.

Normalcy Bias

Normalcy bias is a subconscious response that falsely assures things will remain the same as they always were.

Every type of bias works against critical thinking as it uses emotion to make decisions rather than rational thought
rooted in truth.

This bias encourages our minds to ignore danger and new information in favor of maintaining the safety and security
of our “regular” lives.

For example, normalcy bias leads us to believe that freedom will always be free despite growing threats to quench
it.

Frankly, it’s a dangerous barrier to critical thinking with the potential for lasting consequences.

4. Group-Think
The group-think effect is a phenomenon where individuals conform to the beliefs of others in order to avoid
appearing different.

It can lead to mass conformity in which society grows blind to flaws in opinion-based reasoning.

Why think for yourself when someone else can do it for you? It’s a sobering thought—and a major obstacle to
critical thinking—but I fear it’s one that is sweeping the world.

This is an especially tough barrier for teenagers who are often desperate to be accepted and liked by their peers.

Rather than relying on critical thinking to decipher between right and wrong, they may cave to peer pressure because
“everyone else is doing it.”

This barrier is yet another poignant example of why it’s so important to help our children develop critical thinking
skills.

5. Distorted View of Truth

We’re also susceptible to having a distorted view of what is fact and what isn’t. If we’re not careful, our view of
truth can be distorted by misleading opinions.Passionate people with deeply held beliefs are often willing to loudly
defend them.

Such passion and charisma can seduce teens and adults alike who may not fully know what they believe—or why
they believe it.

6. Fear

Of all the psychological obstacles to critical thinking, fear is a weighty one.

I humbly suggest that it is the fear of failure or the fear of change that is most likely to act as a hindrance to critical
thinking.

Sometimes, when we look at an issue from every angle, we find that the only right reaction is to change.

Likewise, if we fear failure, we’re likely to not act or try at all.

And when it comes to trying to discern the truth in order to act upon it, not doing so can be far worse than the
perceived failure itself.

7. Viewing Everything Through the Lens of “Self”

Some people call it “egocentric thinking.” Whatever the name, it is the tendency to think about the world only as it
relates to us.

This self-centered thinking is natural, but there’s great value in training our minds to be able to view issues from
another’s point of view. When problem-solving, it’s important to consider other perspectives.

This is particularly true when dealing with people who may be affected by our actions.

8. Past Experiences

Past experiences, relationships, even trauma can change us in a number of ways.

What happened in the past surrounding any given thing most certainly influences how we think and feel about that
thing in the future.

But it’s important to recognize past experiences for what they are—a single moment (or period) of time.

They should not define our thoughts, nor should they dictate our actions as we seek to answer life’s questions
objectively.
Undoubtedly, it can be difficult to put such things in perspective so, and it calls for self-control, but it’s important to
train our teens to try.

Relying exclusively on the past to make decisions today can lead to negative outcomes as it relies on information
that may not be true.

9. Assumptions

Assumptions dampen our ability to learn. Though often flawed, assumptions quench our desire to ask questions
because we think we already know the answers.

What a sad state to be stuck in because the truth is …

We don’t know what we don’t know.

How can we learn what we don’t know if we never root out the truth in a given matter?

Similarly, some people assume that because they don’t understand something, then it must be impossible to learn.

That’s simply not true. We have an innate ability to learn new things, and critical thinking helps us do just that—
with integrity.

10. Time Constraints

There’s so much to learn in school that it can be hard to find the time to invest in critical thinking discussion
and activities.

This skill can often be moved to the side while teens learn about world history and how to write a proper essay—
both of which are no doubt important.

But I would argue that critical thinking gives students the foundation to not only better digest the material learned
but to excel in it.

How to Overcome Common Barriers to Critical Thinking

We’ve established that critical thinking is an essential part of becoming a discerning adult, unmoved by news biases
or passionate, emotional language.

That being said, how do we break through the barriers that hinder critical thinking and move forward to teach
such a significant skill?

You can help your students better develop their critical thinking skills by encouraging thoughtful questions and
debate.

When consuming news from around the world, inspire them to challenge their initial emotional reactions to the
information presented. Teach them how to seek impartial data and use that to form an educated opinion.

Providing real-world examples and connections between topics is a great way to encourage teens to think more
deeply about a subject.

Rather than presenting multiple choice answers or fill-in-the-blanks, ask them to talk through the question out loud
based on the information they’ve been given.

You can also try a fun exercise with these critical thinking questions for kids.

The ability to clearly vocalize beliefs and express thoughts is a priceless skill, and one that we have weaved into
every lesson of Philosophy Adventure:
Critical thinking is a learned skill that requires practice (and breaking down barriers when they arise).

However, the ability to identify logical fallacies in arguments and recognize deception is well worth investing in.

Recognizing potential barriers that are obstructing that end goal is a solid first step.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN EDUCATION

Enhancing a student’s critical thinking skills is particularly essential in a liberal education model, which
believes in teaching students how to think and not what to think.
Here are some of the reasons why students need critical thinking skills in today’s age-

Enhancing creativity and curiosity:

A student who is encouraged to be a critical thinker invariably develops a sense of curiosity of

happenings around him/her. A strong and genuine sense of curiosity leads to students wanting to analyse
and assimilate information and events. In the process, they form their own informed ideas, mostly out-of-
the-box ones, that in turn improves their creativity. Creativity is a skill that all critical thinkers will dally
with in their professional and personal life. In the process of finding answers in a logical and rational
manner, they will usually be able to get their creative juices flowing.

Promoting self-assertion and self-reflection:

Critical thinking is essentially self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. When one
thinks critically, it is done is a self-directed manner. There is an internalization of the issue at hand and a
deep understanding of it in an objective fashion. Critical thinking is at the forefront of learning, as it aids
a student reflect and understand their points of views. This skill helps a student figure out how to make
sense of the world, based on personal observation and understanding. It makes learners self-assertive and
confident as they know that the outcome is the result of a thought process that yields results. Students also
gain confidence and the ability to learn from mistakes both of which are crucial in their personal and
professional lives.

Boosting career prospects:

Critical thinking is not confined to the classroom. In the aftermath of COVID-19, the new economy
places a lot of demand on a flexible workforce and employee’s ability to analyse information from
various sources and come up with ingenuous solutions towards the same. An employee with strong
critical thinking skills will be valued in a fast-changing workplace.

Nurturing problem-solvers and innovators:

One of the by-products of critical thinking skills is the ability to analyse and look at problems in a
creative and constructive method. Critical thinkers are invariably good problem solvers. A good critical
thinker will be able to separate facts from opinions and fiction and examine the issue from all angles
before making rational decisions towards solving a problem. They will also be able to produce bias free
solutions to problems, a fact that is crucial to note in the employment arena. As universal challenges like
global warming, pollution, pandemics, continue to plague the world, youngsters of today – who will
become the leaders of tomorrow – will be expected to take the mantle of finding effective solutions.
Critical thinkers will engineer creative and lasting solutions.

Fostering allied life skills:

Critical thinking fosters allied life skills such as organisational skills, planning, open-mindedness,
communication skills among others. Being a life skill by itself, critical thinking enables you to take on
challenges in the personal and professional world with ease. It encourages confidence and independence,
thereby shaping successful lives. As a critical thinker, one will learn from their mistakes, thereby
notching up their productivity in all spheres of life.

Thinking critically boost creativity and enhance the way we use and manage our time and critical thinking
not only describes the ability to think in accordance with the rules of logic and probability, but also the
ability to apply these skills to real-life problems, which are not content-independent. . Critical thinking
can provide you with a more insightful understanding of yourself. It will offer you an opportunity to be
objective, less emotional, and more open-minded as you appreciate others’ views and opinions. By
thinking ahead, you will gain the confidence to present fresh perspectives and new insights into burden
some concerns.

Critical thinking occurs when students are analyzing, evaluating, interpreting, or synthesizing information
and applying creative thought to form an argument, solve a problem, or reach a conclusion.

The aim of Critical Thinking is to promote independent thinking, personal autonomy and reasoned
judgment in thought and action. This involves two related dimensions:

Critical thinking involves logic as well as creativity. It may involve inductive and deductive reasoning,
analysis and problem-solving as well as creative, innovative and complex approaches to the resolution of
issues and challenges.
One of the significant aims of education is to produce learners who are well informed, that is to say,
learners should understand ideas that are important, useful, beautiful and powerful. Another is to create
learners who have the appetite to think analytically and critically, to use what they know to enhance their
own lives and also to contribute to their society, culture and civilization.
Every pupil should have an effective skill of critical thinking, and they must not accept anything for
granted
It’s the ability of the child to think about anything and everything. An ability of critical thinking

Critical thinking should be encouraged. Traditional concepts of learning are loosing its charm. Text based
passive learning is giving way to active thinking and learning process. The vital goal of education is to
promote critical thinking in students, not making them reflect like a parrot. It’s really important to instil
the ability of critical thinking in children through education. Early Years Foundation Stage is providing
better guidance for children at a very tender age, they believe in individual abilities of children.

As far as 21st century learning is concerned, critical thinking is an important factor. Spoon-feeding
system in education has changed for better. It’s an era of better education .