The Role of Critical Thinking in Cognitive Learning

The ability to think critically is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where information is abundant and easily accessible. Critical thinking is a vital skill that enables individuals to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information from various sources and perspectives and to use it effectively to solve problems and make informed judgements. 

In the context of cognitive learning, critical thinking plays a crucial role in helping students develop higher-order thinking skills and become independent learners.  Let’s explore the role of critical thinking in cognitive learning and how educators can foster critical thinking among students through various strategies and approaches.

 

Cognitive Learning

Cognitive learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills through mental activities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive learning is essential for students to develop higher-order thinking skills and become independent learners. 

 

According to Bloom’s taxonomy, cognitive learning involves six levels of cognitive skills: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating. These skills enable students to comprehend, interpret, and use information in various contexts and domains.

 

Importance of Critical Thinking in Cognitive Learning

One of the key components of cognitive learning is critical thinking. 

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information from various sources and perspectives and to use it effectively to solve problems and make informed judgements. 

 

Critical thinking helps students to:

• Understand the concepts and principles of different subjects and disciplines. 

Students can use critical thinking to compare and contrast different theories, models, or frameworks in science, maths, or social studies.

• Apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations and challenges. 

Students can use critical thinking to design experiments, conduct surveys, or create solutions for environmental or social issues.

• Reflect on their own learning process and outcomes. 

Students can use critical thinking to monitor their progress, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement.

• Communicate their ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively. 

Students can use critical thinking to write essays, reports, or presentations that demonstrate their understanding and reasoning.

• Collaborate with others and appreciate diverse viewpoints. 

Students can use critical thinking to participate in discussions, debates, or group projects that require them to listen to, respect, and challenge each other’s opinions.

 

However, critical thinking is not something that students can learn by memorising facts or following instructions. It requires active engagement, curiosity, creativity, and self-regulation. Therefore, educators need to design learning environments and activities that foster and facilitate critical thinking among students.

One of the ways to do that is to adopt a hybrid learning approach. 

 

Hybrid Learning, An Approach To Enhanced Critical Thinking

Hybrid learning is a mode of instruction that combines face-to-face and online learning, allowing students to benefit from the best of both worlds. It aims to provide the pedagogical freedom to reach students and teachers from any place in the world, increasing societal access to education as well as improving the quality of education

 

Hybrid learning can enhance critical thinking by:

• Providing students with more flexibility in choosing their learning pace, path, and style 

For example, students can access online materials at their own convenience, select topics or tasks that interest them, and customise their learning strategies according to their preferences and needs. 

• Offering students access to a variety of digital resources and tools

This helps enrich their learning experience and support their inquiry. 

For example, students can use online databases, libraries, or search engines to find relevant information; use multimedia tools such as videos, podcasts, or simulations to visualise concepts; or use interactive tools such as quizzes, games, or puzzles to test their knowledge. 

• Promote the interaction of students with their peers and instructors. 

For example, students can use video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Skype to join live sessions; use chat tools such as WhatsApp or Telegram to exchange messages; or use discussion forums such as Moodle or Canvas to post questions or comments.

• Encouraging students’ participation in productive tasks that require them to apply their critical thinking skills. 

For example, students can engage in project-based learning, where they have to research a topic, plan a project, execute a project, and present their results; or they can engage in problem-based learning, where they have to identify a problem, analyse its causes and effects, propose possible solutions, and evaluate their feasibility and implications. 

• Giving students feedback and guidance on their progress and performance. 

For example, students can receive formative feedback from their instructors or peers on their work; use rubrics or checklists to assess their own work; or use portfolios or journals to document their learning journey. 

 

Improving Critical Thinking Skills

In addition to adopting a hybrid learning approach, educators can also help students improve their critical thinking skills by: 

• Modelling critical thinking behaviours and attitudes 

Educators can demonstrate how they approach a problem, ask questions, gather information, evaluate evidence, draw conclusions, and reflect on their actions. 

• Asking open-ended questions that challenge students’ assumptions and perspectives 

Educators can ask questions such as “Why do you think that?”, “What are the pros and cons of this option?”, How does this relate to what we learned before?”,  or “What are some alternative explanations or solutions?” 

• Providing scaffolding and support for students critical thinking processes 

Educators can provide graphic organisers, mind maps, or templates that help students organise their thoughts, identify key points, and make connections.

• Encouraging peer feedback and collaboration. 

Educators can assign students to work in pairs or groups where they have to share their ideas, give and receive constructive criticism, and reach a consensus or compromise. 

• Incorporating metacognition and self-regulation strategies. 

Educators can help students set SMART goals, monitor their progress, evaluate their outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.

 

To Sum It Up

Critical thinking plays a crucial role in cognitive learning by enabling students to develop higher-order thinking skills and become independent learners. It helps students to understand concepts, apply their knowledge to real-world situations, reflect on their learning process, communicate their ideas effectively, and collaborate with others. 

To foster critical thinking among students, educators need to adopt effective strategies and approaches, such as hybrid learning. Hybrid learning can enhance critical thinking by providing students with more flexibility, offering access to a variety of digital resources and tools, promoting interaction with peers and instructors, and encouraging students to participate in productive tasks. 

Therefore, hybrid learning can be an effective pedagogical approach to facilitate cognitive learning and nurture critical thinking skills among students.