Critical Thinking

Kristijan Musek Lešnik
Nov 18, 2025
2 min read

We live in a time of endless information — news, opinions, videos, and posts arriving every second. For young people growing up in this world, critical thinking is not just a skill — it’s a necessity.

“Because young people need to learn to think clearly, question wisely, and decide responsibly.”

Critical thinking means learning to pause, reflect, and choose. It helps children and youth recognize what’s true, what’s biased, and what’s worth believing. It teaches them to ask questions, think independently, and make thoughtful decisions.

Why Critical Thinking Matters

Young people who learn to think critically gain more than academic skills — they gain tools for life. They learn to:

ask questions and stay curious,
think before reacting,
evaluate facts and sources,
espect different viewpoints
and make responsible, informed choices.

Critical thinking supports resilience and well-being. It gives young people confidence to navigate a complex world — one where wisdom matters more than speed.

The Role of Education

Education is not just about what we think — it’s about how we think. Schools are ideal places to nurture critical thinking — where questions are welcomed and ideas can safely be explored.

Supporting critical thinking in the classroom means:

Encouraging curiosity and open discussion.
Helping students check facts and question sources.
Modeling how to listen, reflect, and respond respectfully.
Showing that changing your mind can be a sign of growth.

When teachers make space for reflection, debate, and discovery, students learn to think deeply and compassionately — not just quickly.

Growing Critical Thinking Through the Ages

Infancy (0–3 years): Curiosity begins.

Teacher’s role: Encouraging safe exploration and wonder.

Preschool (4–6 years): Asking questions.

Teacher’s role: Welcoming “why” and “how” — guiding simple reasoning.

Early School (7–10 years): Understanding fairness and facts.

Teacher’s role: Discussing evidence and different perspectives.

Tweens (11–13 years): Recognizing bias and justice.

Teacher’s role: Teaching media literacy and encouraging debate.

Teens (14–18 years): Forming independent opinions.

Teacher’s role: Supporting self-reflection, dialogue, and responsible thinking.

Impact for Students, Teachers, and Families

Critical thinking turns information into understanding—and understanding into wisdom. When schools and teachers teach young people to think critically, they also help them think freely. Cultivating classrooms of questions, reflection, and active engagement helps students build independence, curiosity, and confidence.