Critical thinking is crucial for academic growth and also for success in the workplace. According to the World Economic Forum (2023), analytical thinking is consistently ranked as the top skill needed today.

Making critical thinking a priority

Here are my 10 reasons:

1) Supports you to become autonomous: By taking charge of your learning and becoming independent in leading how you are approaching critical conversations, debates, assessments and feedback.

2) Prepares you for the working world: By giving you a real-world-like experience where you can transition the skills you have developed to the workplace.

3) Builds your empathy: By having a genuine appreciation for multiple perspectives for a given argument and responding in a way that is considered.

4) Helps you to spot and evaluate fake news: By having a critical eye and the ability to question and look beyond the surface of what you read, hear and write.

5) Strengthens your constructive arguments: By using evidence-informed, peer-reviewed articles, books and multi-media sources from credible authors and websites.

6) Encourages active learning: By immersing and exposing yourself to different methods of learning and being open to contributing your ideas in many forms.

7) Enhances your confidence: By assessing how far you have come and evaluating your strengths and any areas you may want to develop further.

8) Prepares you for unknowns: By being involved in complex, problem-solving situations which may mirror any future challenges where thinking on your feet will help you to navigate and respond.

9) Enhances your reading skills: By thinking critically, the first step you will take is to read to learn and then digest and respond accordingly.

10) Improves your research skills: By having the confidence to analyse sources, interpret data and come to informed conclusions with strong recommendations.

The list of 10 ideas is not exhaustive, but it highlights the key areas you can focus on. Feel free to expand on this list and adapt it to fit your specific programme or module of study. Incorporating critical thinking into everything you do will equip you with the ability to make well-informed academic, professional, and personal decisions.

Sources

Kellys Critical Thinking Blog
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World Economic Forum
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Kellys Talking CriticalEd Podcast
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By Kelly Trivedy
Kelly began her career as a Youth Support Worker and Teacher, she has worked with a wide range of educators and institutions for 10 years. Working as an Academic Specialist and a Lecturer in Law and Education is where Kelly gained her love of theory and debate. Engaging students in thought-provoking conversations led to confident individuals with professional careers. This gave her a sense of satisfaction which she mirrors in her role as tutor and consultant. Kelly's research focus is on critical thinking in Higher Education. She has further interests in reflective practice and ethics in education. Her book: 'Planning your Research Project' (available on the JS Engagement Portal) was published in 2021.