Last week I wrote a blog about the importance of developing critical thinking skills. These skills empower individuals to navigate the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to personal and societal progress. Since artificial intelligence has been introduced in the classroom, it is imperative students continue to develop critical thinking skills rather than relying on AI to think for them. This blog provides several activities instructors can utilize to help students hone their critical thinking skills. 

Socratic Questioning

In many classrooms teachers ask the questions and students respond. Try flipping this method and teach students how to create questions by using Bloom’s taxonomy. When students understand how to ask questions as well as the different levels of questions, class discussions become richer and a Socratic style discussion can begin to be the norm. The Socratic Method involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students. The teacher leads by posing thought-provoking questions, and students actively engage by asking questions of their own. The discussion goes back and forth. In other similar methods, students create all of the questions using the different levels of Bloom’s before the discussion. The teacher chooses which questions will be used and shares them with students before the discussion begins. Giving students the opportunity to jot down a few ideas for each question before the discussion begins allows time for processing, which often helps bolster confidence. 

Problem Based Learning

In problem based learning students solve real world problems through collaboration and research. PBL is a dynamic process where the teacher becomes the facilitator and students are given voice and choice as they develop solutions to problems. Since many topics for PBL are based on current problems, the information can change daily, so students must be fully engaged and cognizant of the research. Typically, small groups of students engage in an extended period where they find resources, conduct research, pose more questions, and apply information. They are encouraged to contact experts in the field for guidance. Although learning takes place throughout the entire process of PBL, it is during this time of inquiry when students must apply the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. 

Debate and Discussion

Students are capable of lively and interactive discussions centered on assigned readings, case studies and assignments.  Since they are forming their beliefs and opinions as they grow, class discussions are vital to engage students and augment learning. When students are given the opportunity to ask the types of questions that create discussion, they are more willing to participate and interact with their classmates. They become excited when the questions they created stir thoughtful conversation and debate. Taking part in a discussion or debate, sharing ideas and opinions, requires critical thinking skills.

Reflective Journaling

When students are able to write down their thoughts about what they learned, they are able to consider how the different parts of learning work together. Ask them  to analyze their own thought processes, decisions, and the reasons behind them.  Reflective journaling encourages metacognition, thinking about one’s thinking. When students are metacognitively aware, they understand their strengths and weaknesses as learners. Teachers can encourage students to think about how they learn. Ask students questions such as: How did you approach the problem? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What did you find difficult about the lesson and how did you overcome the difficulty? What parts of the lesson were easy for you? These questions allow students to critically think about their process for learning and what works and what doesn’t. The more a student understands their process, the easier it is to apply what works to the next learning experience. 

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual tool that was developed as an effective method for generating ideas by association. In order to create a mind map, you usually start in the middle of the page with the central theme/main idea and from that point you work outward in all directions to create a growing diagram composed of keywords, phrases, concepts, facts and figures.  It is an ideal strategy to use as you brainstorm a topic. When done correctly, mind mapping helps with organizing thoughts and discovering relationships between concepts. This technique enhances analytical and organizational skills and is one of the best ways to begin a project or essay.

These are just a few of the strategies teachers can use to encourage critical thinking within the classroom. Other ideas include critical reading, field trips, ethical dilemmas, role playing and guest speakers. Exposing students to a variety of teaching strategies and diverse viewpoints help them grow as learners and human beings. In this era of AI, let’s continue to work on critical thinking skills and allow the chatbot to assist us rather than do all of the thinking for us.