“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ― Margaret Mead

I saw this quote the other day and I was reminded of a recent class I taught where one of my learners (This is how faculty refers to students at Ashford University) had difficulty comprehending one of the writing assignments. Even though I provided links, examples and further explanation, in the end the learner just asked me “what specifically should I write about? It doesn’t say exactly.”

Finally, I explained that “there is no exact topic or thesis. You will develop one and write your paper based on the assignment directions, grade rubric and what we have learned in class — and here is where you utilize your critical thinking skills, which is the best part, you get to choose your topic.”

Often I see as children grow they are taught NOT to question their teachers, parents, or such and do what they are told, be obedient, color inside the lines, etc. I perceive that this tampers with their critical thinking skills. As they grow older and start to work in the real world (usually at larger companies/corporations), I have observed that this pattern continues; where people are again told (in a professional way of course) to be obedient, do  their work, develop an aversion to challenge managers, higher-ups, and the like.

Question for Professors/Teachers:

I wanted to get a consensus from my scholarly peers on your thoughts regarding “critical thinking” in their classes (online and virtual).

Do you have to push or work to reprogram your learners/students to utilize their critical thinking skills?

Question for Business Owners/Managers:

I wanted to get a consensus from business owners and managers on your thoughts regarding “critical thinking” in their classes (online and virtual).

Do you have to push or work to reprogram your employees to utilize their critical thinking skills?

One of the things I love about teaching Business Communication courses at Ashford University, is that the curriculum helps me to push for reprograming of obedient minds.  I get to teach them communication “best practices” so they can re-connect and communicate utilizing critical thought and ultimately succeed as employees and as people. I love that I can use my experience working for Chalene Johnson at her old company Powder Blue Productions too. There she reminded us on a regular basis to challenger her processes or ideas and develop stronger solutions: Use critical thinking!

However, for some of the learners in their first year I notice they need a nudge to guide them or push them to feel comfortable using critical thought.

In regards to my discussed above about one of my students, once she knew I wasn’t going to hand her the answer on a plate, it pushed her to start thinking about it. Ultimately she nailed the assignment and ended up with an A on her paper. However, it was her growth in the class and her feedback to me (sent via email after she received her final grade) that brought me the most joy.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the state of critical thinking today! Please share below.

Also if you are looking for ways to exercise your critical thinking skills or want to help someone else you can use the 6 Critical Questions below inspired by the official “5 W’s and 1 H) questions of the ancient art of journalism (yes I am going back to my San Francisco State University/BA Journalism roots):