An ideal critical thinker…

• Is eager to be knowledgeable, and inquisitive of new topics and situations.
• Analyses different ideas thorough understanding, and not prejudiced mental states.
• Tries to link what he already knows to what he is learning in order to predict similar subjects. He formulates reasonable assumptions and bases his ideas on solid foundations.
• Asks thought provoking and critical questions like – Why is it so? What is the main point? What do you mean?
• Thinks deeply about an idea/ concept and considers alternatives.
• Critically supports his ideas with logical explanations.
• Creatively devises strategies to correct his weaknesses.

Some teaching strategies:

1. “Let’s think”: Assist the student in figuring out the best possible solution for the problem.
2. Brainstorm: Provoke questions, like “What do you think this book will be about?” Or “Tell me two things you think you will be learning in this lesson about Omani History?”
3. Make Connections: Encourage students to make connections to real-life situations.
4. Compare & Contrast: For example, students can compare and contrast the book class is presently reading or an interesting Science lesson with the previous one.
5. Group Activities: To become better problem solvers, students are exposed to the thought processes of their peers.