- The Stour Academy Trust
- February 6, 2023
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for children to navigate the complex and rapidly changing world of the 21st century. Below we list 5 reasons why.
It equips children with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world
The 21st century is characterized by rapid advancements in technology, globalization, and complex social and economic issues. It is important for children to develop the ability to think critically and solve problems in order to navigate this complex landscape. This includes the ability to analyse information, make informed decisions, and adapt to new situations. Through critical thinking, children can develop the skills to make sense of the world around them and to think for themselves.
It fosters creativity and innovation
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for creativity and innovation. By teaching children how to think critically and solve problems, we are also teaching them how to generate new ideas, to see connections and patterns, and to think outside the box. This is essential for fostering creativity and innovation, which are key drivers of economic growth and social progress.
It develops important social-emotional skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving are not just cognitive skills, but also social-emotional skills. These skills help children to understand and appreciate different perspectives, to communicate effectively with others, and to collaborate effectively. Through critical thinking, children can learn how to empathise with others, to build relationships, and to work as part of a team.
It prepares our children to address the global challenges they will inherit
Addressing the challenges of climate change, poverty, and inequality, require creative, analytical thinking and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and sectors. By teaching children critical thinking and problem-solving skills, we are equipping them with the tools they need to be active and engaged citizens who can contribute to finding solutions to these complex and interconnected global challenges.
It develops our children’s ability to evaluate the credibility and reliability of information
In the age of the internet, children are bombarded with information from a wide variety of sources. It is important for them to learn how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of this information, and to think critically about the media, technology, and digital culture that shape their understanding of the world. By teaching critical thinking and problem-solving, we can empower children to navigate this complex landscape of information and to make informed decisions.
At The Stour Academy Trust, our vision for education gives children the necessary skills to thrive in our modern, 21st century world.
We are transforming our schools from passive forms of learning focused on direct instruction and memorisation, to more interactive methods that promote critical and individual thinking.
Read more information about our vision for education.
