Five Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking

'The smartest student has the greatest desire to know—to know all the facts and perspectives of human life and of the world.' Ibram X. Kendi.

Critical Thinking Skills

'Literacy is not an end. Literacy should be taught as a means to critical thinking. Knowledge isn't an end. Knowledge is a means to critical thinking. The smartest student is not the student who is the most literate, or who knows the most. The smartest student has the greatest desire to know—to know all the facts and perspectives of human life and of the world.' Ibram X. Kendi,

Tips for Encouraging Critical Thinking

Teenagers today are growing up in a fast-paced world full of information—and misinformation. While they may seem adept at scrolling and swiping, developing critical thinking skills is essential for helping them navigate everything from social media to schoolwork. Here are five simple ways you can support your learner in becoming an analytical thinker:

❓Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of yes-or-no questions, try asking ones that encourage deeper thought like, “What do you think about this issue?” or “Why do you agree (or disagree) with that idea?” These kinds of questions prompt students to reflect and articulate their perspective, a skill that’s invaluable in both academics and life.

📖 Encourage Reading Diverse Materials

From novels and news articles to blogs and essays, a variety of reading materials exposes young people to different viewpoints. Discuss what they’ve read and ask what they agreed with—or didn’t—and why. This helps them learn to evaluate information critically.

📰 Discuss Current Events Together

The news can provide excellent opportunities for practicing critical thinking. Whether it’s a major headline or a trending topic on social media, encourage your child to ask questions like, “Who is this story coming from?” and “What evidence supports this claim?”

⚙️Model Critical Thinking

Lead by example. When you’re making decisions or forming opinions, talk through your process out loud. For instance, “I’m choosing this option because it has these advantages, but I’m also aware of the downsides.” This shows them how to approach problems methodically.

🗣️ Encourage Them to Express their Opinions

Help students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, even if they’re unsure. Encourage respectful debate at the dinner table or ask them to explain their stance on an issue. The goal is to show that opinions matter but so does reasoning and neither is any good without the evidence to support claims.

Helping learners develop critical thinking isn’t about adding extra pressure—it’s about fostering curiosity and confidence. By encouraging these small habits, you’ll equip them with skills that last a lifetime.

Stories are a great way to encourage conversation and they don’t have to be long…

The Ancient Coffer of Nuri Bey, by Idries Shah

Nuri Bey was a reflective and respected Albanian, who had married a wife much younger than himself.

One evening when he had returned home earlier than usual, a faithful servant came to him and said:

‘Your wife, our mistress, is acting suspiciously. She is in her apartments with a huge chest, large enough to hold a man, which belonged to your grandmother.

‘It should contain only a few ancient embroideries.’

‘I believe that there may now be much more in it. She will not allow me, your oldest retainer, to look inside.’

Nuri went to his wife’s room, and found her sitting disconsolately beside the massive wooden box.

‘Will you show me what is in the chest?’ he asked.

‘Because of the suspicion of a servant, or because you do not trust me?’

‘Would it not be easier just to open it, without thinking about the undertones?’ asked Nuri.

‘I do not think it possible.’

‘Is it locked?’

‘Yes.’

‘Where is the key?’

She held it up. ‘Dismiss the servant and I will give it to you.’

The servant was dismissed. The woman handed over the key and herself withdrew, obviously troubled in mind.

Nuri Bey thought for a long time. Then he called four gardeners from his estate. Together they carried the chest by night unopened to a distant part of the grounds, and buried it.

The matter was never referred to again.

**

Copyright © The Estate of Idries Shah

**

Questions to encourage critical thinking.

1. What do you think the servant was concerned about? How did this concern affect Nuri Bey?

2. Why did Nuri Bey bury the chest instead of opening it? What might this suggest about his character and his relationship with his wife?

3. Why did Idries Shah write the story? What is the story's message?

If you have other stories or articles that get students thinking critically, then please share the story!

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