Why Critical Thinking Still Deserves a Front Row Seat in Online Learning

Why Critical Thinking Matters

Faculty and instructional designers should consider the significance of cultivating student critical thinking skills in the development of program and course curricula. Critical thinking is an important skill for students to demonstrate to achieve success in higher education and professional work settings. Within the context of professional work, employers increasingly value employees with strong critical thinking skills. Individuals who can assess situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively are assets to any organization. As such, the integration of critical thinking in higher education prepares students for the challenges they will face in their career settings.

Learners who possess critical thinking skills frequently demonstrate the ability to make well-informed decisions. Through effective decision making, students possessing critical thinking skills consider multiple perspectives, analyze a variety of data sources, and then evaluate the implications of the available choices. Decision making using critical thinking can affect a student’s writing, research, and even time management skills. Stronger critical thinkers can problem-solve in both educational and personal settings, which leads to improved academic performance as they can address situations that may arise outside the classroom and still manage their school responsibilities. Students who demonstrate critical thinking skills often perform academically at the highest level and engage more meaningfully with course discussions; excel in assignments that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; and defend their viewpoints with appropriate research and rationales.

In contrast, students lacking these skills struggle to grasp concepts taught in the classroom, apply psychological or theoretical concepts into practice, and evaluate or create work based on their knowledge. Students lacking in critical thinking skills often demonstrate lower confidence and autonomy and struggle to communicate clearly. These students may find it difficult to collaborate with their peers and engage in classroom or professional settings. Poor decision making and limited problem-solving abilities often lead to reduced academic success, lengthening time-to-completion rates and increasing attrition. Therefore, faculty should prioritize the fostering of critical skills to aid students in their ability to deal with practice problems in the workplace.

The Role of Higher Education in Developing Critical Thinking

In higher education, where the goal is not merely to transfer knowledge but to cultivate analytical abilities, critical thinking stands out as a vital component. Faculty members play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual development of students, and by embedding critical thinking into course design, they empower students to navigate complex issues and engage with course material at a deeper level. Students equipped with robust critical thinking skills are better positioned to grasp complex concepts presented in the classroom and, more importantly, to apply these theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios. Conversely, students lacking critical thinking skills may struggle not only to comprehend the material presented but also to bridge the gap between theory and practice. For instance, in disciplines like psychology, where the application of theoretical concepts is fundamental, critical thinking becomes indispensable.

Instructors should create a learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas, posing questions, and providing support to their fellow peers. Further, students should be encouraged to offer critical feedback and accept and address constructive and developmental suggestions. Initial coursework should begin at lower levels of Bloom’s taxonomy of learning, as appropriate by the learning level itself, and then progress through the higher levels of cognitive development to challenge students to move toward analytical and creative levels. Providing an encouraging and supportive learning culture allows students to ask exploratory questions, process information in a way that works best for them, and take intellectual risks in a safe environment.

The Future: Critical Thinking and AI

When looking to the future of critical thinking skills, artificial intelligence (AI) must be considered. The integration of AI into society poses significant benefits and challenges to teaching and learning critical thinking skills. As higher education seeks to remain relevant, effective, and essential, faculty should thoughtfully consider how to utilize AI tools to foster and enhance critical thinking skills with their learners.