Unlocking Minds: The Power of Critical Thinking

                                                                                            Dr Surendra G Gattani

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." — Albert Einstein

As a teacher, researcher, and administrator connected with many UG, PG, and research students, I have noticed a serious issue: about 99% of students stay passive during class, with only 1% actively engaging. This shows that the teaching-learning process is mostly one-way, where teachers deliver content through lectures or presentations, but students rarely interact.

This one-sided approach limits students’ curiosity, questioning, reasoning, analytical skills, observation, decision-making, and critical thinking. According to the Wheebox survey, critical thinking is the most important skill students lack, affecting their progress and opportunities both in India and abroad.

Given today’s rapidly changing world, skills like curiosity, analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking are vital. The UGC’s National Education Policy (NEP) aims to stimulate these skills by encouraging students’ curiosity, understanding, reasoning, and analytical thinking.

Many students do not participate in class due to communication fears, even though they have good knowledge and understanding. This passivity harms their overall growth. It is crucial to shift to active learning to help students develop essential critical thinking skills for their future success.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking means making careful, reasoned decisions by examining all sides of an issue, asking questions, and not just accepting things at face value.

Critical thinking is the ability to think logically and independently, analyzing and evaluating information to form a reasoned judgment. It involves questioning assumptions, examining evidence, considering alternative perspectives, and drawing well-supported conclusions. Critical thinking is essential in decision-making, problem-solving, and learning, as it helps individuals approach situations thoughtfully and avoid biases or emotional reactions.

Key Features of Critical Thinking:

Importance of Critical Thinking:

 

Example of Critical Thinking:

How does Mr. Manoj apply critical thinking while selecting a UG OR PG Course?

1.     Identify the decision

Clearly define the choice: selecting the right UG or PG course.

2.     Reflect on personal goals and interests

Analyze strengths, passions, and career aspirations.

3.     Gather relevant information

Research course content, university reputation, faculty, and career prospects.

4.     Evaluate sources

Assess the credibility and relevance of the information gathered.

5.     Consider multiple perspectives

Talk to alumni, professors, career counselors, and industry experts for input.

6.     Analyze pros and cons

Weigh factors such as fees, location, course duration, scholarships, and job opportunities.

7.     Think about short- and long-term consequences

Reflect on how this choice will impact future career and life goals.

8.     Check for biases or assumptions

Self-reflect to ensure the decision is objective, not influenced by external pressure or unfounded beliefs.

9.     Make a logical conclusion

Choose the course that best aligns with evidence, interests, and goals.

10.  Explain and communicate the decision

Be ready to articulate reasoning clearly to family or mentors.

11.  Review periodically

Stay open to revisiting and adjusting the choice if new information arises.

 

Critical thinking is not new; it has been part of our daily lives since childhood. We see our parents using critical thinking in managing finances, education, relationships, and important decisions like buying property or handling crises. Instead of blaming anyone or the system, we need to analyze why students today lack this essential skill critically. Without critical thinking, success in professional, personal, and social life becomes difficult. To prepare future generations to compete globally, developing strong critical thinking abilities is essential

Christopher Hitchens’ quote, “The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks,”. The process of thinking critically—carefully examining, reasoning, and challenging assumptions—is what defines an independent mind. This quote reminds us that how we think shapes our understanding, more than simply what we believe.

 

Dr Surendra G Gattani is a Senior Professor & Leading Skill Centre at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded                  

Contact on  Email: sggattani@gmail.com