1. Introduction
• Critical thinking and its relevance in academic learning
Critical thinking is a function of the mind which involves thinking, creating meaning or
making sense of events around our world and sorting the events into categories. Refers to
the ability to come up with solutions to problems or issues faced in real life situations
(Mohammad Aliakbari, 2012). It is one of the 21st century skills that a student must have
(Adeyemi, 2012). It enables learners thinking critically, avoid being subjective and use
logic to arrive at conclusions or solve a problem. Critical thinking empowers students to
wholly take charge of their academic life by making sound judgment based on evidence.
We live in a world full of problems be it social , ethnic, political, economic,
environmental, religious or educational which require sound mind with reflective
thinking to be able to handle emerging or pertinent issues.
Academic learning is a thoughtful process which compels the mind to interrogate natural
phenomenon based on available evidence. 21st Century Students must be able to confirm
through logical thinking that indeed the facts are verifiable when synthesized. Critical
thinking is a mind boggling process which is tedious, time consuming and most teachers
avoid it to fast truck curriculum coverage. However it is indeed a very important life skill
to the academic journey of any student. Critical thinking is a fact finding mission in
which learners share knowledge, question existing concepts, seek answers to unresolved
challenges. The acquired knowledge must be authentic, genuine and that can be verified.
Great teachers inspire learners to think critically to existing real life situations. (Madhavi
Sharma, 2022). The learner’s sphere of knowledge is broadened as they have options or
alternative solutions and can make best choices. Scientific research and advancement in
technology revolves around analyzing existing knowledge, critiquing, investigating
theory and practice with the purpose of creating more efficient systems. Students that
think critically are able to question scientific principles through logic and research.
• How it supports decision-making and creativity
To improve student’s problem solving, decision making and communications skills,
critical thinking must be incorporated into the teaching and learning process for higher
students. Decision making is a cognitive process involving four major phase: Framing,
intelligence gathering, choice and learning from feedback (Schoemaker & Russo, 2014).
Students make day to day decisions which affect their destiny. Such decisions must be
critically thought out.
Students engage in critical thinking when they investigate, appraise, or synthesize
information and use creative thought to construct arguments, solve problems or reach
conclusions in the most basic sense (Tilak Raj, 2022).
The main fundamental purpose of any education system is to empower students such that
they are able to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their society.
Students that are critical thinkers are better at analyzing situations and using acquired
knowledge to solve difficult problems.
Critical thinking entails creating ideas, thoughts, analyzing the ideas, the judgments and
refining them as much as possible.
1|Page
• Critical thinking and its relevance in academic learning
Critical thinking is a function of the mind which involves thinking, creating meaning or
making sense of events around our world and sorting the events into categories. Refers to
the ability to come up with solutions to problems or issues faced in real life situations
(Mohammad Aliakbari, 2012). It is one of the 21st century skills that a student must have
(Adeyemi, 2012). It enables learners thinking critically, avoid being subjective and use
logic to arrive at conclusions or solve a problem. Critical thinking empowers students to
wholly take charge of their academic life by making sound judgment based on evidence.
We live in a world full of problems be it social , ethnic, political, economic,
environmental, religious or educational which require sound mind with reflective
thinking to be able to handle emerging or pertinent issues.
Academic learning is a thoughtful process which compels the mind to interrogate natural
phenomenon based on available evidence. 21st Century Students must be able to confirm
through logical thinking that indeed the facts are verifiable when synthesized. Critical
thinking is a mind boggling process which is tedious, time consuming and most teachers
avoid it to fast truck curriculum coverage. However it is indeed a very important life skill
to the academic journey of any student. Critical thinking is a fact finding mission in
which learners share knowledge, question existing concepts, seek answers to unresolved
challenges. The acquired knowledge must be authentic, genuine and that can be verified.
Great teachers inspire learners to think critically to existing real life situations. (Madhavi
Sharma, 2022). The learner’s sphere of knowledge is broadened as they have options or
alternative solutions and can make best choices. Scientific research and advancement in
technology revolves around analyzing existing knowledge, critiquing, investigating
theory and practice with the purpose of creating more efficient systems. Students that
think critically are able to question scientific principles through logic and research.
• How it supports decision-making and creativity
To improve student’s problem solving, decision making and communications skills,
critical thinking must be incorporated into the teaching and learning process for higher
students. Decision making is a cognitive process involving four major phase: Framing,
intelligence gathering, choice and learning from feedback (Schoemaker & Russo, 2014).
Students make day to day decisions which affect their destiny. Such decisions must be
critically thought out.
Students engage in critical thinking when they investigate, appraise, or synthesize
information and use creative thought to construct arguments, solve problems or reach
conclusions in the most basic sense (Tilak Raj, 2022).
The main fundamental purpose of any education system is to empower students such that
they are able to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their society.
Students that are critical thinkers are better at analyzing situations and using acquired
knowledge to solve difficult problems.
Critical thinking entails creating ideas, thoughts, analyzing the ideas, the judgments and
refining them as much as possible.
1|Page
