Developing critical thinking skills may be one of the most important things a student can learn from an early age. Cultivating an environment in which critical thinking is encouraged and rewarded goes a long way toward building these necessary skills. Private primary colleges and senior secondary schools can help build critical thinking in many different ways, both within regular school classes and in co-curricular activities. In this article, The Springfield Anglican School discusses the importance of developing critical thinking in students at a young age, and why we are widely considered to be the best secondary school in Springfield.
Tips for Building Critical Thinking Skills
Private primary colleges and senior secondary schools can help students to develop critical thinking skills. Some of the best strategies include:
- Give students time to answer: When asking a question, give your students enough time for them to formulate a critical response.
- Ask open-ended questions: Pose and encourage students to ask questions that have multiple right answers, allowing students to formulate creative and critical answers.
- Help students develop and test hypotheses: Asking ‘What do you think will happen if we do this?’ gives students the chance to think about the implications of certain actions, which in turn helps to develop critical thinking skills.
Consider diverse perspectives
Students from Primary school through to senior secondary school are taught how to be reflective and critical thinkers. As students develop, they use technology to research, analyse and critique information and sources. They are taught to be self-reflective, identify their own biases and be prompted to look wider and consider other perspectives and values.
Building Critical Thinking in Co-Curricular Activities
Although critical thinking skills can be developed within the classroom, co-curricular activities create ideal environments for students to practice critical thinking. These activities generally include problem-solving or creative aspects, which is essential for cultivating critical thinking skills.
Every time a student is challenged to formulate a strategy in chess or develop a game plan on the football field, they develop their critical thinking skills.
All of these examples are opportunities for children to advance their critical thinking skills and are encouraged at Springfield Anglican College.
Contact our team today to learn more about what makes us the best secondary school in Springfield.
