Volume : 7, Issue : 1, JAN 2021

CRITICAL THINKING FOR STUDENTS

ALKA KAPUR

Abstract

Equipped with data, backed by advanced analytical tools, and gifted with developed emotional intelligence, human intellectual capabilities remain unsurpassed. With the growth of economies and organization size, the number of challenges rose as well and the need to manage them was ever rising. The need for problem solvers grew and organizations began hunting for one specific skill – Critical Thinking Abilities.

We took cognizance of its importance in the 1990s and for over a decade we lived with the notion that we could develop these capabilities artificially without professional help. Parents tried to present children with challenges early on, but the sheer artificiality of the exercise deprived them of one basic thing – real world problems. In the process of ’learning,’ students took to rote memorization of the solutions and defeated the purpose of augmenting critical thinking abilities altogether. Our educational systems failed to bridge the gap as well. Contingent upon the above fiasco, the same students who are out into the real world today have not adequately developed reasoning and inquisitive natures. In lieu of asking ‘what,’ ‘how’ and ‘why,’ they all registered new information as facts and never questioned anything.

As a direct impact, organizations have found those students to be unemployable. We explore the problem in detail and understand what exactly the extent of the problem is today. This article explores various facets of the conundrum at hand and also chances upon ways to hone critical thinking skills without detrimental results. Needless to say, working on critical thinking also nurtures creativity, improves complex problem solving and leads to effective expression.

Keywords

CRITICAL THINKING ACUMEN, REASONING, ANALYTICAL ABILITIES, ROTE MEMORIZATION EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, TRADITIONAL TEACHING METHODS, DOUBLE LOOP LEARNING, ENHANCE CRITICAL THINKING.

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Article No : 19

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References

  1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-intuitive-parent/201703/the-emerging-crisis-in-critical-thinking
  2. Research Paper: “Deficient Critical Thinking Skills among College Graduates: Implications for Leadership” by Kevin L. Flores, Gina S. Matkin, Mark E. Burbach, Courtney E. Quinn & Heath Harding.
  3. Report: “The Global Skills Shortage” (2019) by Society for Human Resource Management.
  4. Report: “Are They Really Ready to Work?” by The Conference Board.
  5. https://ideas.ted.com/critical-thinking-is-a-21st-century-essential-heres-how-to-help-kids-learn-it/
  6. HBR: 3 Simple Habits to Improve Your Critical Thinking by Helen Lee Bouygues