from critical observations. Based on this, we can say that critical thinking
is clear and rational
thinking. Put slightly differently, critical thinking is disciplined thinking guided by clear intellectual
standards.
As Gerald Nosich said, to be a critical thinker is not only to remain the same person as
before,
embodying the best qualities, but it is an important factor that transforms a person into a
different person.
In recent years, the interest in teaching students to think critically has attracted teachers on a
global scale. Schools are the key to developing critical thinking among citizens today. (F.
Hernandez) Qualified teachers can develop students' critical thinking skills. (D.S. Martin) Critical
thinking has become as important as learning and reading these days.
Critical thinking skills embody several intellectual standards. The most important of them are
clarity, accuracy,
correctness, relevance, stability, logic, perfection and fairness.
Learning critical thinking helps in developing the following characteristics in a person:
- Understanding the arguments and views of others;
- Critical evaluation of
received information and views;
- To support one's personal thoughts and views. [4]
So, if the formation of critical thinking is so important and necessary, why is it not developed
in everyone? Why can't we always think critically? Because there are some factors that prevent the
formation of critical thinking skills, and people find it difficult to overcome these obstacles. These
are:
- lack of sufficient information about the origin of the message
- bias
- influence of peers on each other
- the same thinking as everyone else
- inability
to accept news, staying in the old
- not wanting to hear other people's opinions
- to have a wrong idea
Especially since these aspects are common among schoolchildren of younger age, it is
primary schoolchildren who have difficulty with critical thinking. A primary
school teacher should
not only teach students, but also help them overcome some obstacles that prevent them from
thinking.
It should not be forgotten that developing critical thinking is not an easy task. It is not a task
that is completed and forgotten at a certain age. Therefore, there is no age limit for the formation of
critical thinking. Both a seven-year-old child and a seventy-year-old person can form and develop
critical thinking skills.
At the same time, there is no single way to develop critical thinking. But being
free from some of the aspects listed above will greatly help us to become a critical thinking person.
