We, and many others, have said this countless times – Without a distinguished education system based on critical thinking, questioning, freedom of expression, and research, progress is impossible. As long as we continue to follow the outdated education model that allows a child to be punished for forgetting a sentence, we will never move forward. It may take decades for educational authorities to realize the importance of these issues.
Therefore, parents should not wait for the wave of change, which may be slow to arrive. Instead, they must actively nurture critical thinking in their children and support their growth by helping them develop effective skills that will benefit them throughout life. Professor Anwar Asfari says children should not be seen merely as recipients. Instead, we must teach them various skills from an early age, especially those involving creativity and critical thinking.
We should encourage children to ask questions rather than simply follow orders without inquiry. They must be given the freedom to express any questions they have. To achieve this, parents can, for example, present a small problem and encourage their children to analyze and solve it. This approach helps generate ideas and activate their critical thinking skills. Teaching critical thinking to children is not easy, but parents can help their children develop a mindset that encourages curiosity and a deeper desire to seek knowledge, especially aimed at solving everyday problems. The important step is to teach children how to think more deeply in situations that require careful and skillful decision-making. Children will grow up self-confident, able to discuss assumptions and probabilities, and think logically without being influenced by negative emotions.
We should explain this to them as often as possible, regardless of their age. It is important to encourage children to ask questions and respond positively, inviting them to share their logical conclusions. Critical thinking involves a logical and objective analysis of ideas, rather than emotional or subjective reactions. Critical thinking is the foundation that enables individuals to challenge their own views by examining information and considering different perspectives.
Open-minded, flexible thinking is essential when approaching any new problem and is central to a culture of critical thinking. Encouraging children to solve problems in new and creative ways by connecting ideas is a key aspect of creativity, skill development, and innovation. Ultimately, critical thinking is important not just for children, but for adults as well. Teaching children to think logically is not enough; we, too, must develop this valuable and essential skill. Reflective thinking is also a fundamental part of improving parenting and reducing ineffective practices.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
