How to Improve Your Critical Thinking

May 24, 2018 / Oskar Cymerman

As a teacher, I often expect my students to think critically. If you're a teacher I bet you expect the same.

As a parent, you wish for your kids to be able to critically evaluate the choices an important situation offers to make the smart, most beneficial decision. I know I do and while I realize my son and my students will not always make the best decision in every situation, I want them to be equipped with the tools that increase their chances.

Critical thinking is such a tool.

It can, and perhaps should be applied in both personal and professional life.

But in school, critical thinking is expected but not taught explicitly. Just do it works for a shoe brand but rarely for people.

Turns out, improving your critical thinking involves following a few deliberate steps. This, in turn, improves your decision-making which improves your success in school, work, and life.

Check out my infographic summary of Samantha Agoos' TED-Ed Video 5 tips to improve your critical thinking. I highly recommend watching the video as well.

Imagine what this world would be like if every person used the above 5-step critical thinking approach when making substantial decisions.

Instead of jumping off the cliff at the word go we'd ask questions.

Instead of just doing what we know we'd look for more information.

The number of selfish decisions would decrease if we only looked at their possible impacts.

We would learn to find alternatives. Can you see the SICK CREATIVITY?

Let's infect our kids with critical thinking 'cause it's the best disease they'll ever have.

You have the power to change lives. Use it often so they can change the world.

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Hi, I'm Oskar. I teach and write about learning for success.

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tags / teaching teens, deeper learning, learning, teaching, deep work, productivity