teach critical thinking in high school

10 Critical Thinking Skills High Schoolers Should Master

As high school students prepare for life after graduation, developing critical thinking skills is more important than ever. According to the XQ Super School report, many high schools are not effectively preparing students for the future, particularly in fostering critical thinking skills. 

“Out of more than 300 participants polled, the vast majority—93 percent—said they didn’t think high schools are fully preparing students to succeed in the future.”

That number is staggering! So, how do we turn this around? By focusing on these skills, we can help students learn to analyze complex information, make smart decisions, and tackle real-world challenges head-on. This foundation not only boosts their academic performance but also sets them up to thrive in a world that’s constantly changing. Let’s explore some engaging activities designed to build critical thinking skills in high schoolers!

Fostering Adaptability Skills in High School Students

Adaptability is being open to new ideas and willing to change perspectives based on new evidence or insights.

Picture yourself as an entrepreneur, pivoting your strategy in response to market shifts—that’s the power of adaptability! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for life beyond school. It equips them to handle uncertainty, embrace change, and thrive in dynamic environments. By learning to adjust their plans and approaches, they develop the resilience needed to face future challenges head-on. Here are some impactful activities designed to strengthen adaptability skills in high school learners.

Adaptability Activities for High School

Change Management Simulation

Create a scenario where students must adapt to a sudden change in a project (e.g., a new deadline, budget cuts, or a shift in project goals). In groups, they will devise a new plan, discussing how to effectively manage the transition and mitigate challenges. This exercise enhances their ability to think on their feet and develop flexible strategies. You can incorporate real-world challenges to make this activity even more relevant.

Scenario Planning Present students with different future scenarios (e.g., changes in technology, environmental shifts, or societal trends) and have them brainstorm how they would adapt to those changes. This forward-thinking exercise not only enhances their adaptability but also prepares them for the complexities of the future job market. Check out FEMA’s Youth Emergency Preparedness Curriculum here .

Improv Activities Engage students in improvisational theater exercises where they must react and adapt to unexpected situations and prompts. This fun and interactive approach enhances their ability to think on their feet and respond creatively to new challenges. Discover a list of improv games for high school students here .

Enhancing Analysis Skills in High Schoolers

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Picture tackling a complex puzzle and breaking it down into manageable pieces—that’s a skill every high school student should master! It’s all about identifying patterns and relationships that help reveal the bigger picture. For high schoolers, honing analysis and critical thinking skills is essential; it empowers them to engage with intricate ideas, navigate real-world challenges, and critically assess the information they encounter. These skills not only enhance academic success but also prepare them for thoughtful decision-making in their future careers. Here are some dynamic activities specifically designed to strengthen these vital, future-ready skills.

Analysis Activities for High School

Documentary Review Have students watch a documentary and analyze the filmmaker’s techniques, including narrative style, use of visuals, and how these elements impact the viewer’s understanding of the subject. This activity encourages critical thinking and media literacy, and you can find several lesson plans from The New York Times to support your teaching.

Real-World Case Studies Provide students with case studies from various industries (e.g., business, healthcare, environmental science) that present complex problems. They must analyze the case, identify key issues, and propose actionable solutions. This activity helps them develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable in any professional setting. You can access the National Science Teaching Association (NTSA) for case studies.

Scientific Research Project  Students can choose a scientific question, conduct experiments, and analyze their results. This hands-on approach allows them to discuss patterns and implications in a written report or presentation, fostering their ability to draw evidence-based conclusions. Explore fun science projects that can be done with just paper clips here .

Collaborative Learning for High Schoolers

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Imagine high school students as skilled co-creators, uniting their talents to produce compelling projects—that’s the essence of collaboration for teenagers! Mastering this skill is vital as they prepare for college and careers, enabling them to work in teams, negotiate ideas, and develop leadership qualities. By fostering collaboration skills, high school students become well-equipped to tackle the complexities of group work in professional settings. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance collaboration skills in high school learners.

Collaboration Activities for High School

Professional Networking Event Organize a mock networking event where students must work together to research local professionals or alumni in various fields. They can prepare questions and engage in role-playing to practice networking skills, learning how to introduce themselves and build professional relationships.

Community Collaboration Assign students to small groups and challenge them to design a project that addresses a community issue, such as creating a sustainability plan for their school or organizing a local awareness campaign. They’ll need to collaborate on research, delegate tasks, and develop a final presentation or report. This experience not only enhances their teamwork and problem-solving skills but also equips them with practical knowledge and experience they can use in their future careers or civic engagement.

Interdisciplinary Team Challenges Organize challenges that require collaboration across different subjects (e.g., science and art). Students can work in mixed teams to create projects that incorporate knowledge from various disciplines, encouraging creative problem-solving and teamwork. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred . Give it a go!

Bonus: Classroom Magazines: Ready-to-Use Lessons for a Google Slides Project

Effective Communication Skills for High School Students

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Imagine high school students engaging in dynamic discussions, presenting their ideas confidently, and collaborating on projects—that’s the essence of communication for teenagers! Mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and professional environments, enabling them to express their ideas persuasively and engage in meaningful dialogue. By fostering communication skills, high school students become adept at navigating complex interactions and building relationships. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance communication skills in high school learners.

Communication Activities for High School

Gratitude Towers Have students participate in the Gratitude Towers activity, where they work in groups to build towers using various materials, each layer representing something they appreciate about their community or environment. As they construct their towers, students discuss and articulate their thoughts, enhancing their collaborative and communication skills.

Startup Simulation Have students form small groups to create a mock startup. They will identify a problem in the market, research potential solutions, and develop a business plan that includes a marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational plans. This hands-on experience teaches them critical thinking and teamwork while preparing them for entrepreneurial endeavors.

Mock Job Interviews Organize mock job interviews where students must prepare answers to common interview questions and make decisions about how to present themselves. Afterward, they can evaluate each other’s performances and discuss the decision-making processes behind their responses.

Bonus: 8 Tips for Practicing Active Listening in the Classroom

Cultivating Creativity in High School

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Creativity at the high school level is about transforming ideas into impactful actions. Picture students as architects of their own futures, designing projects that reflect their unique visions—that’s the essence of creativity! For high school students, honing this skill is vital as they prepare for college and careers. It empowers them to tackle complex challenges, work collaboratively, and present their ideas effectively. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to help high school learners amplify their creativity and become the innovators of tomorrow. Let’s dive in!

Creativity Activities for High School

Design the Resume Using design software, students should create a visually appealing resume that incorporates their research and personal branding. Encourage them to experiment with colors, fonts, and layouts while ensuring clarity and professionalism. You can find hundreds of resume templates on Canva.

Art and Technology Integration Encourage students to combine art and technology by creating digital artwork or interactive media projects. They can use tools like graphic design software, coding, or 3D modeling, allowing them to explore their creativity while gaining valuable tech skills relevant to many industries. 

Group Innovation Projects Challenge students to collaborate on developing an innovative product or service. They can create a business plan and pitch their ideas to the class, promoting teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. Read this to get tools and ideas on how to group students.

Bonus: Fab Labs: Unleash Creativity, Innovation, and Hands-On Learning

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Think of yourself as a strategist, making pivotal choices that can shape your future—that’s the power of decision-making! For high school students, mastering this skill is essential as they prepare for college and career paths. It equips them to assess risks, weigh options, and make informed decisions based on research and personal values. Strong decision-making skills are crucial for success in a complex world where choices can have lasting impacts. Here are some impactful activities designed to enhance decision-making skills in high school learners, empowering them to navigate their futures with confidence and clarity.

Decision-Making Activities for High School

Philosophical Chairs Philosophical Chairs is an engaging exercise that promotes attentive listening and invites all students to share their perspectives. Set up a discussion format where students can take a stance on a statement and must defend their position or switch sides based on the arguments presented by their peers. This dynamic format encourages open dialogue and critical assessment of differing opinions.

Career Path Exploration Have students research different career paths and the decision-making processes involved in pursuing them. They can create a visual map outlining the steps, potential obstacles, and necessary qualifications for their chosen careers. This activity promotes self-assessment and informed decision-making about their futures.

Budgeting Challenge Assign students a fictional budget for a project or event (e.g., planning a school festival or starting a small business). They must make decisions about how to allocate funds while considering various factors like cost, quality, and potential impact. This activity enhances financial literacy and strategic thinking.

Evaluative Skills for Future Success

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Picture yourself as an analyst, dissecting data and drawing conclusions—that’s the power of evaluation! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and career paths. It equips them to critically assess sources, analyze arguments, and make informed decisions based on evidence. By developing strong evaluation skills, they become more discerning consumers of information, which is essential for success in today’s complex world. Here are some impactful activities designed to enhance evaluation skills in high school learners, empowering them to think critically and independently.

Evaluation Activities for High School

Product Testing and Feedback Have students test a product or service (real or hypothetical) and evaluate its effectiveness based on specific criteria (usability, design, functionality). They can present their findings through discussions or demonstrations, providing feedback on how the product could be improved.

Art Critique Have students evaluate a piece of artwork or a film, discussing elements like composition, themes, and emotional impact. They can write a critique or lead a class discussion. This activity not only enhances their evaluation skills but also fosters creativity and cultural awareness. The Kennedy Center offers a great explanation of how to teach your students to critique effectively. 

Project Assessment and Reflection After completing a group project, ask students to evaluate their own and each other’s contributions. They can reflect on what worked well, what didn’t, and how they could improve in future collaborations. This activity fosters accountability and enhances their ability to assess group dynamics, valuable in any team-based setting.Explore these strategies for self-assessment to guide your students.

Bonus: Powerful Checklists and Easy Digital Tools for Formative Assessments

Teaching High School Students to Master Inference Skills

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—that’s the essence of inference! It’s about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, a vital skill for tackling complex texts and real-world scenarios. For high schoolers, mastering inference is crucial for engaging with sophisticated materials, analyzing arguments, evaluating sources, and thinking critically about the information they encounter. These skills not only enhance academic performance but also prepare them for informed decision-making in their future careers. Here are some thought-provoking activities designed to sharpen their inference skills and equip them for the challenges ahead.

Inference Activities for High School

Literature Review for Research Papers Assign students to conduct a literature review on a specific topic relevant to their interests or future careers. They will infer connections between different studies, identify gaps in the research, and propose areas for further investigation. This skill is vital for academic research and professional writing.

Data Interpretation Projects Provide students with real-world datasets (e.g., economic indicators, environmental data, or health statistics) and have them analyze the data to make inferences about trends or potential future outcomes. This activity helps them develop analytical skills critical for fields such as business, science, and public policy. 

Historical Document Analysis Provide students with a selection of primary source documents (like diary entries, letters, or speeches) from a historical figure or event. Have them analyze the documents to infer the author’s intentions, feelings, and the context of the time. This activity encourages students to support their inferences with specific evidence from the texts, enhancing their analytical skills. 

Building Problem-Solving Skills in High School

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Envision confronting a significant challenge and devising a strategic plan to overcome it—that’s the power of problem-solving! For high school students, mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for life beyond school. It empowers them to approach intricate issues with analytical thinking, creativity, and persistence. As they navigate academic and personal challenges, strong problem-solving skills equip them to make informed decisions and adapt to new situations. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate problem-solving abilities in high school learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for High School

Real-World Problems Present complex problems related to real-world issues (e.g., climate change) and have students work in groups to analyze the problem, explore solutions, and present their analyses to the class. This collaborative approach not only sharpens their decision-making skills but also encourages teamwork and effective communication. Get started right away with the curriculum and lesson plan from Take Action Global’s Free Climate Action Project .

Design Thinking Challenge Introduce students to the design thinking process by having them identify a problem (such as improving school policies or enhancing student engagement). They will brainstorm ideas, create prototypes, and test their solutions. This iterative approach to problem-solving fosters creativity and collaboration, skills valuable in innovation-driven careers. Snag this Design Thinking Lesson Plan Template to help.

Community Service Project Planning Students can identify a need in their community and develop a comprehensive plan for a service project to address it. They will research the issue, outline steps for implementation, and present their proposal to the class. This activity enhances their problem-solving abilities and encourages civic engagement, valuable in any future career.

Bonus: Innovation Challenges Provide Real World-World Learning

Developing Research Skills in Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Imagine high school students as skilled investigators, piecing together complex information to understand the world around them—that’s the essence of research for teenagers! Mastering this skill is crucial as they prepare for higher education and the workforce, enabling them to conduct in-depth analyses and articulate informed arguments. By fostering research skills, high school students become adept at navigating complex topics and contributing to meaningful discussions. Here are some inspiring activities crafted to enhance research skills in high school learners.

Research Activities for High School

Research Roundtable Discussions Organize roundtable discussions where students research a specific topic ahead of time and come prepared to share their findings. Each student can take turns leading the discussion, asking questions, and challenging each other’s perspectives. This format encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material. Have them access the 

Personal Branding Research Project Have students conduct research on personal branding and develop their own personal brand strategy. They can explore topics like resume building, social media presence, networking, and professional skills. This project prepares them for job searches and internships by teaching them how to present themselves effectively. Learn more from Harvard Summer School for how to build your personal brand in high school.

Cultural Research Presentation Students can research a culture different from their own, focusing on customs, traditions, and societal issues. They can present their findings in a format of their choice (e.g., presentation, video, or article). This promotes cultural awareness and prepares them for global citizenship in diverse workplaces. Have them access the World Digital Library to get started with their research.

In high school, the development of critical thinking skills is paramount as students prepare for life beyond graduation. By equipping them with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and create, we’re setting them up for success in an increasingly complex world. Your influence as educators is powerful in shaping their future. How do you engage your students in critical thinking activities? Leave a comment to share your experiences—I’d love to hear what works for you!

Sara Qualls

Sara Qualls is the Digital Marketing Specialist at TCEA. She has been in the world of digital marketing since 2008. She is passionate about helping businesses communicate their ideas and stories through social media and all forms of digital marketing including SEO, email marketing, automation, content marketing, analytics, advertising, and more.

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Helping Students Hone Their Critical Thinking Skills

Used consistently, these strategies can help middle and high school teachers guide students to improve much-needed skills.

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Critical thinking skills are important in every discipline, at and beyond school. From managing money to choosing which candidates to vote for in elections to making difficult career choices, students need to be prepared to take in, synthesize, and act on new information in a world that is constantly changing.

While critical thinking might seem like an abstract idea that is tough to directly instruct, there are many engaging ways to help students strengthen these skills through active learning.

Make Time for Metacognitive Reflection

Create space for students to both reflect on their ideas and discuss the power of doing so. Show students how they can push back on their own thinking to analyze and question their assumptions. Students might ask themselves, “Why is this the best answer? What information supports my answer? What might someone with a counterargument say?”

Through this reflection, students and teachers (who can model reflecting on their own thinking) gain deeper understandings of their ideas and do a better job articulating their beliefs. In a world that is go-go-go, it is important to help students understand that it is OK to take a breath and think about their ideas before putting them out into the world. And taking time for reflection helps us more thoughtfully consider others’ ideas, too.

Teach Reasoning Skills 

Reasoning skills are another key component of critical thinking, involving the abilities to think logically, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and analyze arguments. Students who learn how to use reasoning skills will be better equipped to make informed decisions, form and defend opinions, and solve problems. 

One way to teach reasoning is to use problem-solving activities that require students to apply their skills to practical contexts. For example, give students a real problem to solve, and ask them to use reasoning skills to develop a solution. They can then present their solution and defend their reasoning to the class and engage in discussion about whether and how their thinking changed when listening to peers’ perspectives. 

A great example I have seen involved students identifying an underutilized part of their school and creating a presentation about one way to redesign it. This project allowed students to feel a sense of connection to the problem and come up with creative solutions that could help others at school. For more examples, you might visit PBS’s Design Squad , a resource that brings to life real-world problem-solving.

Ask Open-Ended Questions 

Moving beyond the repetition of facts, critical thinking requires students to take positions and explain their beliefs through research, evidence, and explanations of credibility. 

When we pose open-ended questions, we create space for classroom discourse inclusive of diverse, perhaps opposing, ideas—grounds for rich exchanges that support deep thinking and analysis. 

For example, “How would you approach the problem?” and “Where might you look to find resources to address this issue?” are two open-ended questions that position students to think less about the “right” answer and more about the variety of solutions that might already exist. 

Journaling, whether digitally or physically in a notebook, is another great way to have students answer these open-ended prompts—giving them time to think and organize their thoughts before contributing to a conversation, which can ensure that more voices are heard. 

Once students process in their journal, small group or whole class conversations help bring their ideas to life. Discovering similarities between answers helps reveal to students that they are not alone, which can encourage future participation in constructive civil discourse.

Teach Information Literacy 

Education has moved far past the idea of “Be careful of what is on Wikipedia, because it might not be true.” With AI innovations making their way into classrooms, teachers know that informed readers must question everything. 

Understanding what is and is not a reliable source and knowing how to vet information are important skills for students to build and utilize when making informed decisions. You might start by introducing the idea of bias: Articles, ads, memes, videos, and every other form of media can push an agenda that students may not see on the surface. Discuss credibility, subjectivity, and objectivity, and look at examples and nonexamples of trusted information to prepare students to be well-informed members of a democracy.

One of my favorite lessons is about the Pacific Northwest tree octopus . This project asks students to explore what appears to be a very real website that provides information on this supposedly endangered animal. It is a wonderful, albeit over-the-top, example of how something might look official even when untrue, revealing that we need critical thinking to break down “facts” and determine the validity of the information we consume. 

A fun extension is to have students come up with their own website or newsletter about something going on in school that is untrue. Perhaps a change in dress code that requires everyone to wear their clothes inside out or a change to the lunch menu that will require students to eat brussels sprouts every day. 

Giving students the ability to create their own falsified information can help them better identify it in other contexts. Understanding that information can be “too good to be true” can help them identify future falsehoods. 

Provide Diverse Perspectives 

Consider how to keep the classroom from becoming an echo chamber. If students come from the same community, they may have similar perspectives. And those who have differing perspectives may not feel comfortable sharing them in the face of an opposing majority. 

To support varying viewpoints, bring diverse voices into the classroom as much as possible, especially when discussing current events. Use primary sources: videos from YouTube, essays and articles written by people who experienced current events firsthand, documentaries that dive deeply into topics that require some nuance, and any other resources that provide a varied look at topics. 

I like to use the Smithsonian “OurStory” page , which shares a wide variety of stories from people in the United States. The page on Japanese American internment camps is very powerful because of its first-person perspectives. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

To make the above strategies and thinking routines a consistent part of your classroom, spread them out—and build upon them—over the course of the school year. You might challenge students with information and/or examples that require them to use their critical thinking skills; work these skills explicitly into lessons, projects, rubrics, and self-assessments; or have students practice identifying misinformation or unsupported arguments.

Critical thinking is not learned in isolation. It needs to be explored in English language arts, social studies, science, physical education, math. Every discipline requires students to take a careful look at something and find the best solution. Often, these skills are taken for granted, viewed as a by-product of a good education, but true critical thinking doesn’t just happen. It requires consistency and commitment.

In a moment when information and misinformation abound, and students must parse reams of information, it is imperative that we support and model critical thinking in the classroom to support the development of well-informed citizens.

Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Eight Instructional Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking

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(This is the first post in a three-part series.)

The new question-of-the-week is:

What is critical thinking and how can we integrate it into the classroom?

This three-part series will explore what critical thinking is, if it can be specifically taught and, if so, how can teachers do so in their classrooms.

Today’s guests are Dara Laws Savage, Patrick Brown, Meg Riordan, Ph.D., and Dr. PJ Caposey. Dara, Patrick, and Meg were also guests on my 10-minute BAM! Radio Show . You can also find a list of, and links to, previous shows here.

You might also be interested in The Best Resources On Teaching & Learning Critical Thinking In The Classroom .

Current Events

Dara Laws Savage is an English teacher at the Early College High School at Delaware State University, where she serves as a teacher and instructional coach and lead mentor. Dara has been teaching for 25 years (career preparation, English, photography, yearbook, newspaper, and graphic design) and has presented nationally on project-based learning and technology integration:

There is so much going on right now and there is an overload of information for us to process. Did you ever stop to think how our students are processing current events? They see news feeds, hear news reports, and scan photos and posts, but are they truly thinking about what they are hearing and seeing?

I tell my students that my job is not to give them answers but to teach them how to think about what they read and hear. So what is critical thinking and how can we integrate it into the classroom? There are just as many definitions of critical thinking as there are people trying to define it. However, the Critical Think Consortium focuses on the tools to create a thinking-based classroom rather than a definition: “Shape the climate to support thinking, create opportunities for thinking, build capacity to think, provide guidance to inform thinking.” Using these four criteria and pairing them with current events, teachers easily create learning spaces that thrive on thinking and keep students engaged.

One successful technique I use is the FIRE Write. Students are given a quote, a paragraph, an excerpt, or a photo from the headlines. Students are asked to F ocus and respond to the selection for three minutes. Next, students are asked to I dentify a phrase or section of the photo and write for two minutes. Third, students are asked to R eframe their response around a specific word, phrase, or section within their previous selection. Finally, students E xchange their thoughts with a classmate. Within the exchange, students also talk about how the selection connects to what we are covering in class.

There was a controversial Pepsi ad in 2017 involving Kylie Jenner and a protest with a police presence. The imagery in the photo was strikingly similar to a photo that went viral with a young lady standing opposite a police line. Using that image from a current event engaged my students and gave them the opportunity to critically think about events of the time.

Here are the two photos and a student response:

F - Focus on both photos and respond for three minutes

In the first picture, you see a strong and courageous black female, bravely standing in front of two officers in protest. She is risking her life to do so. Iesha Evans is simply proving to the world she does NOT mean less because she is black … and yet officers are there to stop her. She did not step down. In the picture below, you see Kendall Jenner handing a police officer a Pepsi. Maybe this wouldn’t be a big deal, except this was Pepsi’s weak, pathetic, and outrageous excuse of a commercial that belittles the whole movement of people fighting for their lives.

I - Identify a word or phrase, underline it, then write about it for two minutes

A white, privileged female in place of a fighting black woman was asking for trouble. A struggle we are continuously fighting every day, and they make a mockery of it. “I know what will work! Here Mr. Police Officer! Drink some Pepsi!” As if. Pepsi made a fool of themselves, and now their already dwindling fan base continues to ever shrink smaller.

R - Reframe your thoughts by choosing a different word, then write about that for one minute

You don’t know privilege until it’s gone. You don’t know privilege while it’s there—but you can and will be made accountable and aware. Don’t use it for evil. You are not stupid. Use it to do something. Kendall could’ve NOT done the commercial. Kendall could’ve released another commercial standing behind a black woman. Anything!

Exchange - Remember to discuss how this connects to our school song project and our previous discussions?

This connects two ways - 1) We want to convey a strong message. Be powerful. Show who we are. And Pepsi definitely tried. … Which leads to the second connection. 2) Not mess up and offend anyone, as had the one alma mater had been linked to black minstrels. We want to be amazing, but we have to be smart and careful and make sure we include everyone who goes to our school and everyone who may go to our school.

As a final step, students read and annotate the full article and compare it to their initial response.

Using current events and critical-thinking strategies like FIRE writing helps create a learning space where thinking is the goal rather than a score on a multiple-choice assessment. Critical-thinking skills can cross over to any of students’ other courses and into life outside the classroom. After all, we as teachers want to help the whole student be successful, and critical thinking is an important part of navigating life after they leave our classrooms.

‘Before-Explore-Explain’

Patrick Brown is the executive director of STEM and CTE for the Fort Zumwalt school district in Missouri and an experienced educator and author :

Planning for critical thinking focuses on teaching the most crucial science concepts, practices, and logical-thinking skills as well as the best use of instructional time. One way to ensure that lessons maintain a focus on critical thinking is to focus on the instructional sequence used to teach.

Explore-before-explain teaching is all about promoting critical thinking for learners to better prepare students for the reality of their world. What having an explore-before-explain mindset means is that in our planning, we prioritize giving students firsthand experiences with data, allow students to construct evidence-based claims that focus on conceptual understanding, and challenge students to discuss and think about the why behind phenomena.

Just think of the critical thinking that has to occur for students to construct a scientific claim. 1) They need the opportunity to collect data, analyze it, and determine how to make sense of what the data may mean. 2) With data in hand, students can begin thinking about the validity and reliability of their experience and information collected. 3) They can consider what differences, if any, they might have if they completed the investigation again. 4) They can scrutinize outlying data points for they may be an artifact of a true difference that merits further exploration of a misstep in the procedure, measuring device, or measurement. All of these intellectual activities help them form more robust understanding and are evidence of their critical thinking.

In explore-before-explain teaching, all of these hard critical-thinking tasks come before teacher explanations of content. Whether we use discovery experiences, problem-based learning, and or inquiry-based activities, strategies that are geared toward helping students construct understanding promote critical thinking because students learn content by doing the practices valued in the field to generate knowledge.

An Issue of Equity

Meg Riordan, Ph.D., is the chief learning officer at The Possible Project, an out-of-school program that collaborates with youth to build entrepreneurial skills and mindsets and provides pathways to careers and long-term economic prosperity. She has been in the field of education for over 25 years as a middle and high school teacher, school coach, college professor, regional director of N.Y.C. Outward Bound Schools, and director of external research with EL Education:

Although critical thinking often defies straightforward definition, most in the education field agree it consists of several components: reasoning, problem-solving, and decisionmaking, plus analysis and evaluation of information, such that multiple sides of an issue can be explored. It also includes dispositions and “the willingness to apply critical-thinking principles, rather than fall back on existing unexamined beliefs, or simply believe what you’re told by authority figures.”

Despite variation in definitions, critical thinking is nonetheless promoted as an essential outcome of students’ learning—we want to see students and adults demonstrate it across all fields, professions, and in their personal lives. Yet there is simultaneously a rationing of opportunities in schools for students of color, students from under-resourced communities, and other historically marginalized groups to deeply learn and practice critical thinking.

For example, many of our most underserved students often spend class time filling out worksheets, promoting high compliance but low engagement, inquiry, critical thinking, or creation of new ideas. At a time in our world when college and careers are critical for participation in society and the global, knowledge-based economy, far too many students struggle within classrooms and schools that reinforce low-expectations and inequity.

If educators aim to prepare all students for an ever-evolving marketplace and develop skills that will be valued no matter what tomorrow’s jobs are, then we must move critical thinking to the forefront of classroom experiences. And educators must design learning to cultivate it.

So, what does that really look like?

Unpack and define critical thinking

To understand critical thinking, educators need to first unpack and define its components. What exactly are we looking for when we speak about reasoning or exploring multiple perspectives on an issue? How does problem-solving show up in English, math, science, art, or other disciplines—and how is it assessed? At Two Rivers, an EL Education school, the faculty identified five constructs of critical thinking, defined each, and created rubrics to generate a shared picture of quality for teachers and students. The rubrics were then adapted across grade levels to indicate students’ learning progressions.

At Avenues World School, critical thinking is one of the Avenues World Elements and is an enduring outcome embedded in students’ early experiences through 12th grade. For instance, a kindergarten student may be expected to “identify cause and effect in familiar contexts,” while an 8th grader should demonstrate the ability to “seek out sufficient evidence before accepting a claim as true,” “identify bias in claims and evidence,” and “reconsider strongly held points of view in light of new evidence.”

When faculty and students embrace a common vision of what critical thinking looks and sounds like and how it is assessed, educators can then explicitly design learning experiences that call for students to employ critical-thinking skills. This kind of work must occur across all schools and programs, especially those serving large numbers of students of color. As Linda Darling-Hammond asserts , “Schools that serve large numbers of students of color are least likely to offer the kind of curriculum needed to ... help students attain the [critical-thinking] skills needed in a knowledge work economy. ”

So, what can it look like to create those kinds of learning experiences?

Designing experiences for critical thinking

After defining a shared understanding of “what” critical thinking is and “how” it shows up across multiple disciplines and grade levels, it is essential to create learning experiences that impel students to cultivate, practice, and apply these skills. There are several levers that offer pathways for teachers to promote critical thinking in lessons:

1.Choose Compelling Topics: Keep it relevant

A key Common Core State Standard asks for students to “write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.” That might not sound exciting or culturally relevant. But a learning experience designed for a 12th grade humanities class engaged learners in a compelling topic— policing in America —to analyze and evaluate multiple texts (including primary sources) and share the reasoning for their perspectives through discussion and writing. Students grappled with ideas and their beliefs and employed deep critical-thinking skills to develop arguments for their claims. Embedding critical-thinking skills in curriculum that students care about and connect with can ignite powerful learning experiences.

2. Make Local Connections: Keep it real

At The Possible Project , an out-of-school-time program designed to promote entrepreneurial skills and mindsets, students in a recent summer online program (modified from in-person due to COVID-19) explored the impact of COVID-19 on their communities and local BIPOC-owned businesses. They learned interviewing skills through a partnership with Everyday Boston , conducted virtual interviews with entrepreneurs, evaluated information from their interviews and local data, and examined their previously held beliefs. They created blog posts and videos to reflect on their learning and consider how their mindsets had changed as a result of the experience. In this way, we can design powerful community-based learning and invite students into productive struggle with multiple perspectives.

3. Create Authentic Projects: Keep it rigorous

At Big Picture Learning schools, students engage in internship-based learning experiences as a central part of their schooling. Their school-based adviser and internship-based mentor support them in developing real-world projects that promote deeper learning and critical-thinking skills. Such authentic experiences teach “young people to be thinkers, to be curious, to get from curiosity to creation … and it helps students design a learning experience that answers their questions, [providing an] opportunity to communicate it to a larger audience—a major indicator of postsecondary success.” Even in a remote environment, we can design projects that ask more of students than rote memorization and that spark critical thinking.

Our call to action is this: As educators, we need to make opportunities for critical thinking available not only to the affluent or those fortunate enough to be placed in advanced courses. The tools are available, let’s use them. Let’s interrogate our current curriculum and design learning experiences that engage all students in real, relevant, and rigorous experiences that require critical thinking and prepare them for promising postsecondary pathways.

Critical Thinking & Student Engagement

Dr. PJ Caposey is an award-winning educator, keynote speaker, consultant, and author of seven books who currently serves as the superintendent of schools for the award-winning Meridian CUSD 223 in northwest Illinois. You can find PJ on most social-media platforms as MCUSDSupe:

When I start my keynote on student engagement, I invite two people up on stage and give them each five paper balls to shoot at a garbage can also conveniently placed on stage. Contestant One shoots their shot, and the audience gives approval. Four out of 5 is a heckuva score. Then just before Contestant Two shoots, I blindfold them and start moving the garbage can back and forth. I usually try to ensure that they can at least make one of their shots. Nobody is successful in this unfair environment.

I thank them and send them back to their seats and then explain that this little activity was akin to student engagement. While we all know we want student engagement, we are shooting at different targets. More importantly, for teachers, it is near impossible for them to hit a target that is moving and that they cannot see.

Within the world of education and particularly as educational leaders, we have failed to simplify what student engagement looks like, and it is impossible to define or articulate what student engagement looks like if we cannot clearly articulate what critical thinking is and looks like in a classroom. Because, simply, without critical thought, there is no engagement.

The good news here is that critical thought has been defined and placed into taxonomies for decades already. This is not something new and not something that needs to be redefined. I am a Bloom’s person, but there is nothing wrong with DOK or some of the other taxonomies, either. To be precise, I am a huge fan of Daggett’s Rigor and Relevance Framework. I have used that as a core element of my practice for years, and it has shaped who I am as an instructional leader.

So, in order to explain critical thought, a teacher or a leader must familiarize themselves with these tried and true taxonomies. Easy, right? Yes, sort of. The issue is not understanding what critical thought is; it is the ability to integrate it into the classrooms. In order to do so, there are a four key steps every educator must take.

• Integrating critical thought/rigor into a lesson does not happen by chance, it happens by design. Planning for critical thought and engagement is much different from planning for a traditional lesson. In order to plan for kids to think critically, you have to provide a base of knowledge and excellent prompts to allow them to explore their own thinking in order to analyze, evaluate, or synthesize information.
• SIDE NOTE – Bloom’s verbs are a great way to start when writing objectives, but true planning will take you deeper than this.

QUESTIONING

• If the questions and prompts given in a classroom have correct answers or if the teacher ends up answering their own questions, the lesson will lack critical thought and rigor.
• Script five questions forcing higher-order thought prior to every lesson. Experienced teachers may not feel they need this, but it helps to create an effective habit.
• If lessons are rigorous and assessments are not, students will do well on their assessments, and that may not be an accurate representation of the knowledge and skills they have mastered. If lessons are easy and assessments are rigorous, the exact opposite will happen. When deciding to increase critical thought, it must happen in all three phases of the game: planning, instruction, and assessment.

TALK TIME / CONTROL

• To increase rigor, the teacher must DO LESS. This feels counterintuitive but is accurate. Rigorous lessons involving tons of critical thought must allow for students to work on their own, collaborate with peers, and connect their ideas. This cannot happen in a silent room except for the teacher talking. In order to increase rigor, decrease talk time and become comfortable with less control. Asking questions and giving prompts that lead to no true correct answer also means less control. This is a tough ask for some teachers. Explained differently, if you assign one assignment and get 30 very similar products, you have most likely assigned a low-rigor recipe. If you assign one assignment and get multiple varied products, then the students have had a chance to think deeply, and you have successfully integrated critical thought into your classroom.

Thanks to Dara, Patrick, Meg, and PJ for their contributions!

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• The Critical Thinking Crisis in K-12 Schools: How to Cultivate Young Minds

What is Critical Thinking and Why Does it Matter?

Key Components of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves several key components that work together to enable effective reasoning and problem-solving. Analysis is a crucial element, which involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts to understand how they relate to one another. Evaluation is another essential component, requiring the ability to assess the credibility, relevance, and strength of arguments, evidence, and sources. Synthesis, the process of combining ideas and information to create new knowledge or insights, is also a fundamental aspect of critical thinking. Other important components include open-mindedness, curiosity, and the willingness to question assumptions. By developing these skills, students can become more adept at thinking critically and applying these abilities across various subjects and real-life situations. Educators play a vital role in fostering these components of critical thinking in their classrooms, empowering students to become independent, rational thinkers prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills

Developing critical thinking skills prepares students for lifelong success across various domains. In academics, critical thinking enables students to analyze complex information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. These skills are crucial for conducting research, writing essays, and engaging in scholarly discussions. Beyond the classroom, critical thinking is highly valued in the professional world. Employers seek candidates who can solve problems, think creatively, and adapt to new challenges. By honing these skills early on, students are better equipped to thrive in their chosen careers. Moreover, critical thinking enhances personal growth and emotional intelligence . It allows individuals to reflect on their own beliefs, consider multiple perspectives, and engage in constructive self-reflection. These abilities foster personal development, strengthen relationships, and contribute to overall well-being. By prioritizing critical thinking in education, we empower students to become independent, self-directed learners who can navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and resilience.

The Current State of Critical Thinking Education

Curriculum standards and critical thinking.

Current curriculum standards, such as the Common Core State Standards, address critical thinking to some extent by emphasizing skills like analyzing evidence, making arguments, and solving complex problems. However, the degree to which these standards translate into actual classroom practices varies widely. Many educators argue that the standards do not go far enough in prioritizing critical thinking and that the pressure to cover a broad range of content leaves little time for deeper, more reflective learning experiences.

Moreover, standardized testing often focuses on lower-level thinking skills, such as recall and basic application, rather than the higher-order skills associated with critical thinking. This can create a misalignment between the stated goals of the standards and the actual learning outcomes. To truly embed critical thinking in the curriculum, educators may need to look beyond the standards and embrace data-driven instruction and other innovative approaches that prioritize deep, meaningful learning over rote memorization. By empowering teachers to design engaging, thought-provoking lessons and assessments, schools can create a culture that values and nurtures critical thinking skills.

Teacher Preparation and Professional Development

Teachers play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking skills in their students, but many educators may not feel fully prepared to teach these essential abilities effectively. While teacher preparation programs often emphasize content knowledge and pedagogical strategies, explicit training in critical thinking instruction can be lacking. Professional development opportunities focused on integrating critical thinking into the curriculum are vital for equipping teachers with the tools and techniques they need to nurture these skills in their classrooms.

However, gaps in critical thinking training for educators persist. Time constraints, competing priorities, and limited resources can hinder teachers’ ability to access quality professional development in this area. To bridge these gaps, schools and districts should prioritize ongoing, job-embedded training that allows teachers to collaborate, share best practices, and receive feedback as they implement critical thinking strategies. By empowering educators with the knowledge and support they need to teach critical thinking effectively, we can create learning environments that prepare students for success in an increasingly complex world.

Strategies for Integrating Critical Thinking in the Classroom

Inquiry-based learning.

Inquiry-based learning is a powerful approach that can foster critical thinking skills in students. By engaging learners in asking questions, investigating problems, and discovering solutions, educators create an environment where curiosity and independent thought are valued. This student-centered method encourages active participation, as learners explore complex issues, gather evidence, and draw conclusions based on their findings. Through guided inquiry, teachers facilitate the process by posing thought-provoking questions and providing resources, while allowing students to take ownership of their learning. As students collaborate, discuss ideas, and present their findings, they develop essential skills such as analysis, evaluation, and problem-solving. Inquiry-based learning not only deepens subject knowledge but also equips students with the critical thinking abilities necessary for success in the 21st century. By embracing this approach, educators can empower their students to become inquisitive, independent thinkers who are prepared to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Socratic Questioning Techniques

Socratic questioning is a powerful tool for stimulating critical thinking in the classroom. By asking thought-provoking, open-ended questions, educators can encourage students to examine their assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and develop well-reasoned arguments. For example, a teacher might ask, “What evidence supports your viewpoint?” or “How might someone with a different background approach this issue?” These questions push students to think more deeply and critically about the topic at hand. Socratic questioning also fosters a culture of inquiry and dialogue, where students feel empowered to ask questions, challenge ideas, and learn from one another. By modeling this type of questioning and creating a safe space for exploration, educators can help students develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Incorporating Socratic questioning techniques into regular classroom practice is a simple yet effective way to make critical thinking a central part of the educational experience.

Real-World Problem Solving

Engaging students in real-world problem solving is a powerful way to foster critical thinking skills. By presenting authentic, complex problems that are relevant to students’ lives, educators can create meaningful learning experiences that challenge students to think deeply and creatively. These problems should be open-ended, with multiple possible solutions, and require students to analyze information, evaluate options, and make reasoned decisions. For example, a science class might tackle a local environmental issue, such as water pollution, and develop a plan to address it. Through this process, students learn to ask questions, gather and assess data, consider different perspectives, and communicate their findings effectively. By connecting academic content to real-world applications, educators can help students see the value of critical thinking and develop the skills they need to navigate complex challenges in their personal and professional lives. Incorporating authentic problem solving into the curriculum not only promotes critical thinking but also enhances student engagement, motivation, and sense of purpose. As students work collaboratively to find solutions, they develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. By empowering students to be active participants in their learning and to make a positive impact on the world around them, educators can cultivate a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to critical thinking.

Overcoming Challenges to Teaching Critical Thinking

Time constraints and curriculum demands.

Despite time and curriculum constraints, educators can integrate critical thinking into their classrooms by using interdisciplinary projects, real-world problem-solving activities, and student-led discussions. These strategies allow students to apply critical thinking skills across subjects while still meeting curriculum standards. Educators can also model critical thinking through think-alouds and by asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper reflection. By consistently emphasizing the importance of questioning, analyzing, and evaluating information within the existing curriculum, teachers can foster a culture of critical thinking in their classrooms. Professional development opportunities can equip educators with the tools and techniques needed to seamlessly incorporate critical thinking into their lesson plans. Collaboration among teachers, administrators, and educational trainers is key to developing a cohesive approach to critical thinking instruction that aligns with curriculum demands. By working together and sharing best practices, educators can overcome time constraints and ensure that students develop the critical thinking skills needed for success in school and beyond.

Assessing Critical Thinking Skills

Assessing critical thinking skills requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional tests and quizzes. Educators can incorporate problem-solving tasks, case studies, and real-world scenarios that challenge students to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and draw well-reasoned conclusions. Observing student discussions and debates can also provide valuable insights into their critical thinking abilities. Learner-focused assessments , such as self-reflection and peer feedback, can help students develop metacognitive skills and take ownership of their learning. Rubrics that clearly define critical thinking criteria can guide both students and teachers in the assessment process. By using a variety of assessment strategies and providing constructive feedback, educators can effectively evaluate and nurture students’ critical thinking skills, preparing them for success in an increasingly complex world.

In conclusion, critical thinking is a vital skill that empowers students to navigate an increasingly complex world. Despite its importance, many K-12 schools struggle to effectively integrate critical thinking into their curricula. By prioritizing strategies such as inquiry-based learning, metacognition, and real-world problem-solving, educators can foster an environment that nurtures critical thinking skills. However, challenges like time constraints and standardized testing require systemic changes and ongoing professional development to address. It is crucial that we, as educators, take action to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop and sharpen their critical thinking abilities. Together, we can create a future where students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

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