The Importance of Critical Thinking Part One
Every day students are exposed to messages, information, and images. I recently heard Dr Jordan Peterson discuss the information overload students are dealing with as related to tragedies multiple times a day. “In years past, if a man were eaten by an alligator in Florida playing golf, it would only be a local news story in Florida. Now, millions of people would watch the gator attack in a viral video.” Kids are exposed to dangerous events from all over the world on a daily basis and this can cause fear and anxiety they might not otherwise develop. In order to cope with a dangerous world, from which we were much less “exposed to”, many teens will seek answers and information on the internet, shortcutting real life experience and trial and error, to answer life’s tough questions. Don’t get me wrong. There is a tremendous benefit to having “information at our fingertips.” The growing concern is that information online may provide easy access to knowledge, such as “the definition of the word, nuance” but that this easy access itself, is affecting teens attention spans, patience, and ability to apply “critical thinking” to problem solving.
Whether students are at school, online, or conversing with their friends, teens need to know how to evaluate what they are hearing and seeing in order to form their own opinions and beliefs. Critical thinking skills are the foundation of education as well as an important life skill. Without the ability to think critically, kids will struggle academically, especially as they get older. In fact, no matter what your child plans to do professionally someday, they will need to know how to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions. As a parent, it's important that you ensure that your kids can think for themselves and have developed a healthy critical mindset before they meet the challenges of adulthood.
Doing so will help them succeed both academically and professionally as well as benefit their future relationships. Here is what you need to know about critical thinking, including how to teach your kids to be critical think. Critical thinking skills are the ability to imagine, analyze, and evaluate information in order to determine its integrity and validity, such as what is factual and what isn't. These skills help people form opinions and ideas as well as help them know who is being a good friend and who isn't. "Critical thinking also can involve taking a complex problem and developing clear solutions," says Amy Morin, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of the best-selling books, "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do" and "13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do."
In fact, critical thinking is an essential part of problem-solving, decision-making, and goal-setting. It also is the basis of education, especially when combined with reading comprehension. These two skills together allow kids to master information.
According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluated 15-year-old children in 44 different countries, more than one in six students in the United States are unable to solve critical thinking problems. What's more, research indicates that kids who lack critical thinking skills face a higher risk of behavioral problems. If kids are not being critical thinkers, then they are not thinking carefully, says Amanda Pickerill, Ph.D. Pickerill is licensed with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Board of Psychology and is in practice at the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio.
"Not thinking carefully [and critically] can lead to information being misconstrued; [and] misconstrued information can lead to problems in school, work, and relationships," she says. Critical thinking also allows kids to gain a deeper understanding of the world including how they see themselves in that world. Additionally, kids who learn to think critically tend to be observant and open-minded. Critical thinking skills can help someone better understand themselves, other people, and the world around them. [They] can assist in everyday problem-solving, creativity, and productivity.
There are many ways critical thinking skills can benefit your child, Dr. Pickerill says. From being able to solve complex problems in school and determining how they feel about particular issues to building relationships and dealing with peer pressure, critical thinking skills equip your child to deal with life's challenges and obstacles. "Critical thinking skills [are beneficial] in solving a math problem, in comparing and contrasting [things], and when forming an argument," Dr. Pickerill says. "As a psychologist, I find critical thinking skills also to be helpful in self-reflection. When an individual is struggling to reach a personal goal or to maintain a satisfactory relationship it is very helpful to apply critical thinking."
Critical thinking also fosters independence, enhances creativity, and encourages curiosity. Kids who are taught to use critical thinking skills ask a lot of questions and never just take things at face value—they want to know the "why" behind things.
"Good critical thinking skills also can lead to better relationships, reduced distress, and improved life satisfaction," says Morin. "Someone who can solve everyday problems is likely to feel more confident in their ability to handle whatever challenges life throws their way."
In our next blog, we will continue to discuss the importance of critical thinking for teens!
https://www.verywellfamily.com/teach-kids-problem-solving-skills-1095015