Published on: October 15, 2023

Skill is the ability to do something well. Skills have been an important part of the intellectual growth of a human being. Skills can define your present and your future. For if skills are not enhanced you would be left wanting in this ever so competitive world.

As we prepare our learners for the future, several questions arise:

• Do we really know what their future will look like 30 years from now?
• Can we predict the career opportunities they will have after completing their education?
• Are we passing on the same mindset that got us here, or are we equipping them for the unknown?

If the answer to any of these questions is "No," it's time to rethink how we prepare students for the challenges ahead. A key aspect of this preparation lies in developing critical thinking skills, which enable learners to navigate the complexities of life with an open and analytical mind.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to:

• Develop a healthy skepticism toward information presented as fact.
• Apply reasoning and logic to unfamiliar ideas, opinions, and situations.
• View ideas and concepts from multiple perspectives while respecting other opinions.

How to Build Critical Thinking Skills

1. Differentiating Facts from Opinions

Critical thinking begins with the ability to distinguish between truths and perceptions. It’s not just about thinking analytically—it’s about thinking differently.

2. Assessments

Assessments are integral to fostering critical thinking:

• Formative Assessments focus on learning rather than scoring. Assignments involving research, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and debates foster critical thinking.
• Summative Assessments quantify learning outcomes and help provide a holistic view of a student's progress. A combination of both assessments ensures a comprehensive approach to developing critical thinking.

3. Classroom Environment

A creative, engaging, and expressive classroom environment encourages learners to think deeply. Allowing students an extra moment to reflect on their responses builds their confidence and competence. Positive, constructive feedback further boosts their morale and enhances learning outcomes.

4. Model United Nations (MUN)

Participating in a Model UN is a powerful way to develop critical thinking. Representing a country’s perspective, even one that differs from personal beliefs, challenges students to adapt, analyze, and communicate effectively.

5. Competitions

Competitions such as science fairs, sports fests, or inter-school events foster critical thinking. Whether it’s strategizing during a game or executing ideas for a project, students learn to approach problems with creativity and a positive spirit.

Critical Thinking and the IBDP

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) integrates critical thinking into all aspects of its curriculum:

The Learners Pyramid:

• Base: Learner profile attributes that lay the foundation for critical thinking skills.
• Centre: Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL), focusing on research, creative thinking, self-management, and communication.
• Pinnacle: Higher-order knowledge questions in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, promoting advanced critical thinking.

By following a structured, step-by-step approach, the IBDP ensures that students develop critical thinking skills over the program's two years.

Conclusion

Change is inevitable, and adapting to it is essential for success. The aim is to nurture holistic, lifelong learners who can embrace varied perspectives and prepare for the unknown. By moving beyond internal biases, students become more open and adaptable to the future.

We are still preparing learners for the “UNKNOWN,” and critical thinking is the skill that will guide them through it.

Written By Mr. Harish Iyer Department Head - Sciences & TOK Coordinator
JBCN International School, Oshiwara

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