Does anyone out there actually know exactly what critical thinking is?
It’s one of those academic and corporate buzz words like “leadership” that everyone knows they should be good at, but don’t necessarily know what it entails. Some focus on the word “critical” and assume it’s something negative or offensive – perhaps possessing the skills to criticise arguments or people so ruthlessly that you can win any debate. Others are aware that it’s about being able to think for themselves, but don’t realise that it comprises more than one skill. In fact, it’s a set of six overlapping yet distinct and equally important skills, as follows:
1. Interpretation
Interpretation involves understanding and explaining information. This skill enables students to grasp effectively the meaning of texts, poems, essays, graphs or data, and includes elements such as grasping an overview as well as details, picking up on inferences, and avoiding misapprehensions. It lays the foundation for deeper analysis and comprehension in various subjects, helping students make sense of complex ideas.
2. Analysis
Analysis is the ability to break down information into components to understand its structure and specific implications. It is essential in all subjects, but particularly English Literature and Language, Maths, Sciences and History, where identifying patterns, structures and relationships is vital. Strong analytical skills allow students to dissect arguments and lay the groundwork for other critical thinking skills such as evaluation below. Analysis will form the main body paragraphs of any essay, whether on literature or answering a philosophical or ethical question.
3. Evaluation
Evaluation is about assessing the credibility and relevance of information sources. In a world overflowing with information, knowing how to evaluate arguments and data critically is indispensable. This skill helps students make informed judgments and avoid misinformation, or to assess whether a historical or news source is reliable or not, for example. It is also what allows a student to form a conclusion based on their previous analysis and arguments.
4. Reasoning
Reasoning is the capability to construct coherent, logical positions, and to provide evidence to support arguments and points. Whether articulating a thesis in an essay, or solving a mathematical equation, reasoning forms the backbone of academic success. It encourages students to think clearly, set out rigorous workings and make connections between ideas, facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter at hand.
5. Creative Thinking
Creative thinking involves “thinking outside the box”. It enables students to explore multiple solutions to a problem and to think innovatively. It fosters curiosity and the development of new ideas, new connections and new perspectives, making learning an exciting, fun, engaging and dynamic process.
6. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is the application of knowledge and critical thinking in practical situations. It encompasses identifying problems, developing strategies, and implementing solutions within a real-world context. This skill is crucial across all disciplines, but particularly in subjects such as Maths and the Sciences, equipping students with the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals effectively.
All our tutors at BPT ensure that these six critical thinking skills are “mainstreamed” throughout our work, so that students from the very earliest age groups are being taught to acquire, cultivate, develop, hone and perfect them. It means that when it comes to exams and academic challenges, they are able to apply the knowledge that they have learnt at school to the situation and questions at hand. Ultimately, critical thinking is the cornerstone of academic excellence – an indispensable toolkit that equips students with the necessary skills to navigate their academic journeys successfully.
Furthermore, the integration of these critical thinking skills in education enhances students' ability to learn independently, think reflectively, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Indeed, critical thinking promotes a culture of enquiry and curiosity in students’ minds, encouraging them to question, explore and continuously seek knowledge. It is this curious and inquisitive mindset that drives real intelligence, progress and innovation, both in academia and beyond.
Finally, they allow students to better understand the world around them, have the courage to adapt to new situations, and tackle all kinds of real-world challenges thrown at them by adult life or in their future careers, which will hand them a competitive edge in an increasingly complex world.
If you would like to know more about how we tutor critical thinking, or to discuss our tutoring, mentoring and advisory services more generally, please do get in touch.
All the best,
Robert & the BPT team