“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.” This is a quote by Joseph Joubert, a French moralist and essayist.
Think about what this quote means, are we able to ascertain that we are victims of accepting information without processing them through, critically? Are we able to think with a clear head, chart out our own courses, and read between the lines where we have to cope in this world of complexities? Well, that is an arduous task indeed and things are only going to get more complex in the years to come. What does that mean?
It means that our kids are going to need a specific life skill with themselves as they grow up and turn into the citizens of tomorrow. What is this all-important skill?
It is called ‘Critical Thinking’.
Critical thinking – a mandatory asset for the future
Critical thinking is the ability to think independently, making use of available information or experiences. It is about making sense of things even when they seem to be complex. It is about orienting your thought process in a rational and objective manner to achieve your desired aims. Wherever you are – the workplace, school, personal relationships, family, and even at the intrapersonal level – critical thinking has turned into an indispensable asset.
Now, this is not something that can be spoon-fed to children. Yes, our educational paradigms must be structured in a manner to induce critical thinking. Much has been done in this regard and we are constantly improving our school-based methods. But when it comes to a child picking up critical thinking, a lot can be done outside the conventional classroom as well.
Some lessons at home
The family and homes can do a great deal here. It is time we stressed a bit more in this direction. Parents, find some time to invest in this – it can take your child to better places in the future.
But what can be done here? Parents can adopt a variety of steps including games, puzzles, discussions, and media to induce the habit of critical thinking in their children.
Let there be questions
Kids can bother us quite a bit with their questions, ranging from the most mundane of topics to those of a far complex nature. How do we normally respond to such queries? The way we react to their curiosity has far-reaching implications for their critical thinking. We need to nurture their curious nature. Whenever your kid comes up to you with a question, however difficult or awkward it might initially appear to answer, try your best at giving the proper explanation. Encourage this questioning habit in them and induce them to think more about the world that we live in.
Introducing them to multiple perspectives
Each perspective tells a different story. But one of the most common errors that we commit today is that we jump to conclusions by hearing only one side of the story. Part of critical thinking involves being able to view issues from different perspectives and unearthing the not-so-obvious facts. But how do you get your kids to do this?
Well, practice! Strike up conversations with your kids about different issues. It could be anything from a local election to why your acquaintance had to cancel a dinner with your family on a particular day. Speak to them about the various factors at play behind things that might seem all too obvious to them but where they are missing out on some important dimensions.
Asking them to double-check
Before your kids jump to conclusions about stuff, make it a point to ask them to double-check the matter. Maybe during the initial occasions, you can help them in this verification process. But after a few demonstrations, make them do this on their own. This will help orient their thought process in the right direction. It will also ensure that they do not fall into the trap of fake news, a major threat today.
Make use of movie-time and media
What if I told you that movies are a great way to enhance critical thinking? The good ones are filled with a great deal of intrigue and multiple layers of meaning that might not be noticed at first glance. Speak to your kids about this, discuss the movie that you watch. What if you aren’t the type who analyses movies? Well, you could easily watch a movie review on YouTube and then initiate the discussion. A movie for your little ones, such as Lion King, has immense scope for discussion and nurturing critical thinking. You could speak about the values portrayed in the movie, the reasons for Simba’s initial reluctance, the way he conquered his fears, and so on.
Introducing your kids to the habit of reading and quality literature can be a step in the right direction as well. Fill them with new ideas and diverse viewpoints, allow them to generate their opinions about characters and situations. You’ll be surprised at how good some of their ideas may be!
Critical thinking is a critical life skill that is essential in today’s world. Let’s make sure that our homes are able to nurture this vital skill in our promising young minds. 🙂
What is critical thinking? –
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