Who isn’t inspired by Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr, Charles Darwin, and Sir Isaac Newton? Besides hard work and intelligence, these famous personalities had one thing in common: ‘critical thinking.’ It refers to the ability to think rationally and draw well-informed conclusions. It involves deeper thinking in which things are questioned and analyzed before making a decision. Critical thinking requires problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Critical thinking is a necessity in everyday lives. For example, before choosing a career, you often question which college to prefer? Which one is best: online education or on campus? A science degree or an arts degree? There are pros and cons to each of these options. Therefore, we must formulate an argument for each option before making a decision. Also, you need to take into account your interests, prior knowledge, financial and social aspects before reaching a final decision. This whole process requires critical thinking skills.
Education is an essential medium to instill critical thinking skills in students. It allows students to question and probe. In recent years, STEAM education has been popular in fostering these skills amongst students. STEAM is an approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It helps to broaden the horizon of students by enabling them to think differently. STEAM education in schools acts as a foundation for instilling critical thinking skills amongst students. Here, we present four education programs best suited for critical thinkers.
Social Work Education
This education program is the best option for those interested to work for social well-being. If you prefer distance learning and have a relevant academic background, then Masters in social work online could be the best choice for you. It is because such an educational program can help create successful social workers that are valuable to society. Whether you are a healthcare social worker or a community social worker, critical thinking allows you to make unbiased and value-free decisions.
Social work education can help you analyze data from a neutral standpoint. Resultantly, you can serve your clients in the best possible way, without any interference of your prejudices. It is significant for social workers as they meet clients from all walks of life. Hence, maintaining an unbiased professional attitude is crucial.
Business Administration
This program can help create critical thinkers well equipped with decision-making and problem-solving skills. These skills are vital for the success of both the individual and the company. Modern-day companies require competent individuals who are quick to learn their jobs and perform well in situations that require problem-solving skills.
Such business professionals must possess critical thinking skills to make sound decisions, communicate clearly and lead their teams effectively. Only then a company achieves organizational goals that ultimately determine its success. Therefore, earning a degree in business administration can enable students to become potent team leaders and perform well in business.
Psychology
This study program is best for critical thinkers interested in psychology. According to American Psychological Association, psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior, which requires critical thinking. Psychology is a research-driven field in which individuals observe, experiment, test, and analyze different phenomena. Through detailed analysis, psychologists can identify and treat mental dysfunctions experienced by an individual.
Therefore, attaining a degree in psychology can equip students with critical thinking skills that will help them to become well-trained psychologists. As a result, these professionals will be in a better position to understand the feelings and emotions of others without any personal biases. As a result, they will be able to perform therapies and empower individuals.
Law
Critical thinking is most demanding when earning a degree in law. By opting for law education, individuals can become practicing lawyers. They can develop keen observational and analytical skills that can help them in the future to solve client’s cases effectively. Moreover, it will foster their ability to think about minute important details to resolve cases no matter how impossible it may be. It will also help them to gather evidence methodologically.
Final Thoughts
Critical thinking is conscious thinking required in everyday lives. From solving everyday problems to more significant decisions like career choices, all require this crucial skill. According to World Economic Forum, critical thinkers can help shape the future. Moreover, they can prove to be better citizens of this world by considering the bigger picture of an issue and not be affected by personal biases. Overall, they can contribute towards a technologically driven, growing economy.
Education is perhaps a potent medium to instill this skill. Though elementary education can provide a reasonable ground for this skill, it needs to be nurtured through basic and advanced education. Education programs like Social Work, Business Administration, Psychology, or Law can further nurture individual abilities to be active participants in society.