Critical Thinking skills.......Is it possible to develop these skills in young children?

Let us discuss....

Few thoughts...Points to ponder

The ability of young children to think critically is not always acknowledged by adults nor is critical thinking by young children always welcome.

The idea that schools should do more than require the rote memorization of facts and figures has been particularly coming up in last decade. Children must also learn to analyze and evaluate information and concepts and there by deal more effectively with everyday life. They need to be able to solve problems and act in creative ways to confront an ever-changing world.

In this regards, there are two perspectives that have emerged; Philosophers emphasize that children must be exposed to logic and cause-effect idea. On the other hand Psychologists focus on the educational process as it relates to each child’s physical and emotional development

-According to some of these perspectives, improvement in children’s cognition allows them to produce new ideas and confront problems by reasoning through them. Such critical thinking allows children to explore their own concepts, derive conclusions and dispute the reasoning of others.

In addition critical thinking also includes few other elements such as the recognition that belief systems-political, religious, political-affect our understanding and interpretation of even a simple issue

This calls for a child education that focuses on reflective thought. Dewey who is a pioneer of this concept rejected the knowledge transmission model and emphasized on inquiry process.

Given this, critical thinking involves knowledge and performance. One’s way of thinking should affect one’s way of acting. This raises pertinent points that require discussion.

Is knowledge the same as thinking?
Why should we bother with children’s thinking at all-Is it enough that they are learning to know?

Is critical thought a natural disposition or a skill? Can it be taught? For some educators, critical thinking should occur in any and every situation. For others, reflective thinking and judgment are more circumscribed.

What are your thoughts on this? Let’s dialogue....and discuss.....we will await your inputs to this.

Prof. Prerana Mohite