Is Critical Thinking Overrated or Under-Utilized In Higher Education?

Higher education is a term used to indicate the level of education which is above and beyond the basic learning requirements. And when the level of engagement in education is at an advanced level, it also requires corresponding skills to succeed and fully acquire the essence of higher education. Critical thinking is one such vital skill, which one can acquire during their higher education period. Now in simple terms, it is the ability to develop and provide evidence for your ideas, rather than simply accepting personal understanding as sufficient proof. This concept in higher education and employment thereafter calls for scrupulous reflection, analysis, and planning.

In the context of higher education in India, this idea is under-utilized. For students, especially those pursuing technical and management courses, it is an ability which can set them apart from the crowd. It is the ability to bridge theory to practice. Most colleges offer plenty of opportunities for students to gain practical exposure but fail to stimulate the discussion which is highly crucial for students to reflect on their learning. But, it also lies on the students themselves to develop a habit of thinking critically and reflecting on what they have learned. Following are some ways in which it can be put to use for better productivity and long-lasting impact of learning.

The global economy is driven by information and technology. It is rapidly transforming and one has to be flexible to adapt to these changes. Acquiring diverse knowledge and expanding the zone of one’s intellectual abilities is a primary step to developing critical thinking. If one has enough knowledge of a phenomenon to be able to assess it from different perspectives, he or she can critically evaluate it and assess it further.

The next salient step to utilize is to practice and develop speaking and writing skills. Comprehension is key, but being able to communicate your ideas effectively is what brings together the whole thing. Systematically thinking and writing the ideas can further improve logical and analytical reasoning.

Creativity is another way to proactively utilize critical thinking in higher education. Some may believe that creativity, along with it is overrated. Many believe that creativity is an innate quality and hence fail to make an adequate effort to develop after failing the first time. But creativity simply means coming up different ideas, be it to understand a concept or design a project. It can be utilized to test which of these ideas are pragmatic enough to be implemented.

Developing these skills and utilizing them for learning is the first step to a flourishing career. Taking initiative and being aware of learning opportunities in one’s environment assists a student to be self-reliant and have intrinsic motivation to succeed in his or her studies. Critical analysis of the text and lectures helps to identify the gaps in learning so that a student can work on surpassing those gaps for holistic education. Same qualities are highly preferred by employers, who see a lot of potential in candidates who can think out of the box.

Further, the global economy and market today are not restricted to the knowledge of just one domain. They envelope various disciplines and welcome people who can easily facilitate and accumulate knowledge beyond their bookish curricula. According to Linda Elder and Richard Paul, authors of Critical Thinking Development: A Stage Theory, “students who know how to analyze and critique ideas are able to make connections across disciplines, see knowledge as useful and appropriate to daily life, and understand content on a deeper, more lasting level.” This quote signals the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to higher education as it can bolster the academic performance of students manifold.   Fusing theoretical concepts to real life phenomenon also involves utilizing these skills with a positive attitude to work. This means that students learn habits which promote integration and sustainability.

To sum it up, critical thinking is under-utilized in higher education. However, it is predominantly the responsibility of students to consciously develop it. A good critical thinker possesses the shrewdness to separate facts from opinions to make an informed decision. They are objective and evaluate everything with a rational approach. It can be developed by exposing oneself to the knowledge of different domains, improving comprehension, practicing speaking and writing skills, enhancing creativity, and taking an initiative. It can also be utilized through a multi-disciplinary approach to higher education, which creates a strong and long lasting impact of learning on a student. Finally, critical thinkers are highly appreciated by employers because they work smarter, not harder.

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