“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to
entertain a thought without accepting it.”– Aristotle
Critical thinking has been described in many ways, in line with various
perspectives on its role in education. The majority of definitions of critical
thinking trace back to Dewey’s original work (1910), where he was reflecting on
the nature of thought in education. He argued that thinking in an educational
setting involves the creation of beliefs, which may or may not be based on well-
considered reasoning. That is, our beliefs shape our thoughts, and we create
these beliefs by evaluating evidence either implicitly or explicitly. Definitions of
critical thinking have changed over time to emphasize the need to scrutinize
information, ideas, and arguments and consider the potential consequences of
actions or thoughts before determining their validity or usefulness
Since Dewey’s time, the importance of critical thinking has expanded beyond
education into professional and societal contexts. Indrašienė et al. (2021)
highlight the significance of critical thinking, stating that it is “recognized as
one of the tools for the formation and development of human and social
capital, and an important global labour market competence. Critical
thinking is used as a strong argument in developing missions of
education institutions, implementing learning aims, and evaluating
learning outcomes, staff abilities, organizational success and political
decisions”. This statement emphasizes the essential role of critical thinking in
both educational and professional contexts, as it a key skill for academic and
career success.1
Beyond professional success, the development of critical thinking skills has
become extremely vital in this information-rich society, especially for students.
They have greater access to information (including false, misleading information)
since they carry their phones in their pockets or at their fingertips. These young
people must be able to distinguish reliable sources from fake ones, establish
their opinions, and make decisions based on the best information available to
them in this age of "fabricated news." Critical thinking is an attitude that
encourages the desire for knowledge, intellectual openness, and the readiness to
challenge presumptions, which is more than just a cognitive skill.
In this context, critical thinking skills are essential for young minds, enabling
them to evaluate complex information, deconstruct it into manageable parts,
solve problems, adjust to new circumstances, communicate effectively, and
arrive at well-founded conclusions. They are crucial for academic subjects,
decision-making, and problem-solving. Critical thinkers can tackle issues
creatively, identify trends, and make logical decisions, fostering resilience. They
also enhance communication skills, allowing teens to express ideas clearly,
1
[Indrašienė, V., et al. (2021). Critical Thinking in Higher Education and Labour Market.
Germany: Peter Lang, p.17]
control emotions, and critically asses information to avoid being misled by false
claims and misinformation. 2
This is particularly significant during the middle school, a pivotal stage for both
physical and cognitive development, in which students begin forming their own
opinions, identities, and perspectives. Gaining proficiency in critical thinking
facilitates information analysis, fact-based and opinion-based distinction, and
well-informed decision-making. Instead of merely taking information at face
value, it encourages pupils to think critically and question presumptions. It also
improves their ability to solve problems by teaching them how to approach
problems rationally and come up with workable answers. Good critical thinking
abilities also help students communicate more effectively by allowing them to
articulate their thoughts clearly, back up claims with facts, and participate in
insightful debates. Additionally, by teaching students to understand and judge
other perspectives and approach problems with a balanced mentality, these
abilities help students develop emotional intelligence. Because the world is
constantly changing, critical thinking gives students the flexibility, inventiveness,
and analytical abilities they need to succeed in school, in their social lives, and in
their careers.
According to educational researchers, critical thinking is the ability to analyze,
evaluate, and create new ideas by questioning information and solving problems
effectively (Paul & Elder, 2019). It is an essential skill that helps students
navigate the complexities of learning, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Developing critical thinking at the middle school level is vital, as students begin
to encounter more complex ideas and situations that require reasoning, analysis,
and reflection.
Middle school is a crucial stage in students’ cognitive development. This period
encouraging students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore
multiple perspectives helps them become independent learners who can engage
deeply with the subjects they study.
Moreover, critical thinking enhances students’ academic performance and
prepares them for future success. When students engage in discussions,
debates, and problem-solving tasks, they develop analytical skills that allow
them to process information more effectively. Research indicates that integrating
critical thinking strategies into the curriculum leads to improved comprehension,
better retention of knowledge, and enhanced problem-solving abilities (Fisher,
2018).
A practical way to integrate critical thinking into the classroom is through inquiry-
based learning. This method encourages students to find out topics by asking
questions, conducting research, and presenting their findings.
Ultimately, fostering critical thinking skills in middle school students equips them
with the ability to analyze information critically, make informed decisions, and
2
Caroline Buzanko (2014). Empowering Young Minds: Developing Critical Thinking Skills
in Children and Teens. [Link]
approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. By embedding critical
thinking into everyday learning activities, educators can help students develop
the intellectual resilience needed for academic and real-life success.
The following exercises are designed to apply critical thinking within the middle school curriculum.
By engaging in these activities, students develop their ability to analyze information, evaluate
different viewpoints, and articulate well-reasoned opinions.
2nd preparatory
In Unit 7, Lesson 5, Page 9, Activity 5, students participate in a structured
discussion that encourages critical thinking by exploring the impact of
technology on health. This activity is designed to guide students through a multi-
stage reasoning process, helping them develop analytical and evaluative skills
while forming well-supported opinions.
The first stage of the discussion focuses on identifying the issue. Students begin
by debating whether technology has a positive or negative influence on health.
This initial exploration allows them to reflect on their own experiences and
observations, setting the foundation for a more in-depth analysis.
The next stage involves analyzing arguments. Using key expressions from
Exercise 4—such as “too much technology can give you headaches” or
“technology can be bad for your health”—students evaluate different
perspectives on the topic. By examining both the advantages and drawbacks of
technology, they learn to recognize and assess contrasting viewpoints, an
essential skill in critical thinking.
Finally, students move on to justifying opinions with evidence. In this stage, they
consider the specific ways technology affects aspects of daily life, including sleep
patterns, physical activity, and mental well-being. Through this process, they
support their arguments with logical reasoning and real-world examples,
reinforcing their ability to articulate well-founded conclusions.
2nd preparatory
In Unit 4, Lesson 5, Page 41, Activity 3, students engage in a structured learning
experience that strengthens their critical thinking skills. This exercise encourages
them to analyze different perspectives, evaluate supporting evidence, and
articulate their own viewpoints. By participating in a debate about the impact of
tourism on historic sites, students learn to consider both the benefits and
drawbacks of tourism. They are required to complete a conversation using
appropriate phrases, allowing them to practice constructing logical and well-
reasoned arguments.
Additionally, the Life Skills section of the lesson further promotes critical thinking
by prompting students to explore solutions for preserving historic landmarks and
minimizing environmental harm. Students are encouraged to reflect on ways
individuals and businesses can contribute to conservation efforts, fostering a
deeper understanding of responsible tourism.
1st preparatory
In Unit 7, Lesson 3, Exercise 3, students engage in a discussion-based activity
that enhances their critical thinking skills by prompting them to reflect on their
personal learning experiences. This exercise encourages students to analyze how
they acquire new skills, compare their experiences with those of their peers, and
express well-reasoned opinions about the learning process.
By discussing different activities and evaluating their learning journeys, students
develop the ability to assess challenges, recognize the role of practice, and
identify factors that contribute to skill mastery. This not only strengthens their
ability to think critically but also enhances their communication skills as they
articulate their thoughts and experiences clearly.
