Cultivating critical thinking skills

AS I reflect on my educational journey, I am struck by the transformative power of higher-order thinking (HOT). While the term was relatively unfamiliar in the 70s and 80s, my early experiences laid the foundation for the development of these essential cognitive skills.

My grandparents and parents played a significant role in fostering my critical thinking abilities. Through everyday conversations and experiences, they encouraged me to question, analyse and solve problems. These early lessons equipped me with the tools to navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions.

While formal education undoubtedly contributed to the development of my HOT skills, I believe that experiential learning had the most profound impact. By actively engaging with the world around me and reflecting on my experiences, I have been able to delve deeper into various subjects and develop new perspectives.

HOT is not merely a by-product of formal education; it is a lifelong journey that requires continuous cultivation. It involves more than just memorisation and recall; it demands the ability to analyse information critically, evaluate evidence, and generate creative solutions.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to develop my HOT skills and apply them to my daily endeavours.

GOPALA KRISHNAN

Kuala Lumpur