The education sector has undergone a significant transformation since the Covid pandemic. However, two things still hold a key role in education that will enable students to thrive in both education and life: the ability to think critically and creatively. These skills are especially important for middle and high school students as they prepare to navigate the fast-paced and ever-changing world.

Educators have noticed that with these two abilities, students are more imaginative, possess better problem-solving skills, and are more innovative. These skills serve as the foundation for their future as lifelong learners and leaders. Currently in education, teachers and other education professionals are concerned about the lack of creativity and critical thinking skills students have today.

There are many articles, blogs, and professions that argue that the current education system does not focus as much on creative and critical thinking as it does on rigid, linear thinking and standardized assessments. This approach is noted as not adequately supporting the development of students’ creativity, critical thinking, and non-linear thought processes.

Sociologist Dr. Leyla Acaroglu believes that education should use a more holistic approach (Acaroglu, 2018). Her stance is that education should value and cultivate diverse core skills that the brain uses to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention. However, she wants educators to include creative and critical thinking, rather than focus on the traditional academic skills of learning.

Creativity and critical thinking are not traits or talents, but they are skills that can be developed and nurtured through practice, encouragement, and being in the right environment. Three basic strategies that we use at BEST Skills Academy and that other educators can use to enhance critical thinking and creativity are:

Ask open-ended questions: It is easy for educators to pose questions with single correct answers. At BEST, we ask more why and how questions, as opposed to when and what questions. These types of questions foster a higher order of thinking questions; in other words, they push students to think beyond basic observation of facts and memorization. It creates the ability to think abstractly and make connections between concepts.

Cultivate a supportive environment: A positive classroom culture gives students a sense that it’s okay to take risks about expressing and sharing ideas. It also teaches them how to learn from diverse perspectives.

Connect learning to the real world: Linking classroom concepts to real-life scenarios encourages students to apply their knowledge creatively and think critically about practical solutions and situations.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, it’s clear the traditional paradigms need some adjusting. The emphasis on critical and creative thinking in education is not just a necessity, but a must-have skill to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. At BEST Skills Academy, we recognize that fostering these skills goes beyond academic achievement; it’s about shaping imaginative, innovative, and adaptable minds ready to face future challenges.

Making changes to promote creative and critical thinking in education requires a collective effort from parents, educators, and other stakeholders. By making this a priority we are not just educating students; we are equipping them with the tools to be lifelong learners, innovators, and future leaders. The future belongs to those who can think beyond conventional ideas, and our mission at BEST Skills Academy is to provide that blueprint for our students.

References

Acaroglu, L. (2018, October 22). System Failures: The Education System and the Proliferation of Reductive Thinking. Retrieved from Medium: https://medium.com/disruptive-design/system-failures-the-education-system-and-the-proliferation-of-reductive-thinking-dccf7dbb9b96