Mojza Blog
How to enhance critical thinking for exams
by Muntazir Abbas | 12 March 2023
In dictionary terms, critical thinking is defined as the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.
In simple terms, it’s the ability to deeply analyse a situation and create a solution to a certain problem. But why should we develop the ability to think critically and how might it help in our exams?
Thinking critically is important as it helps an individual understand complex issues and problems. Let’s consider two students: one thinks critically and the other doesn’t. The teacher gave both of them a complex math question in which both students were asked to create the best possible solution. The student who thinks critically remained calm. He analysed the whole question, created the possible logic, then implemented it on the question and solved it. On the other hand, the student who was unable to think critically was not able to create the best possible answer, as he didn’t examine the problem and it became hard for him to solve.
Here are some of the benefits of good critical thinking:
Improved Decision Making
By thinking critically, individuals can weigh the evidence, consider alternative perspectives and make more informed decisions based on logic and reason, rather than on emotions.
Better Problem Solving
It helps the individual to identify the root causes of problems, evaluate potential solutions, and make decisions based on a thorough analysis of the situation.
Increased Understanding
It enables the individuals to analyse and understand complex ideas, arguments, and information, which helps to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
Better Evaluation of Information
In today’s information-rich environment, it’s important to be able to evaluate the accuracy, relevance and reliability of information. Critical thinking enables individuals to do this, and helps to prevent the spread of false or misleading information.
Improved Communication
By thinking critically, individuals can better articulate their thoughts and ideas, and engage in productive conversations and debates with others.
Critical thinking is an essential skill for students to have, both in their academic and personal lives. It helps individuals to analyse information objectively, make sound decisions, and solve problems effectively. Here’s why critical thinking is important for students specifically:
Better decision making; by using critical thinking skills, students can weigh the pros and cons of different options and make informed decisions.
Improved problem-solving; when you’re faced with a problem, critical thinking can help you break it down into smaller parts, gather and analyse information, and then come up with a solution.
Enhanced learning; through your active engagement with material and questioning it, critical thinking can deepen your understanding and retain information better.
As for its importance for exam preparation, critical thinking plays a crucial role in the following ways:
Understanding the question; students need to be able to analyse exam questions and understand what is being asked of them.
Analyzing information; critical thinking skills are necessary for students to evaluate and interpret information presented in exams.
Applying knowledge; by using critical thinking, students can apply what they have learned to new situations and answer exam questions effectively.
Improving critical thinking skills is an important aspect of academic success, especially when it comes to exams. Here are some steps you can take to improve your critical thinking skill:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses: This is the first step in improving your critical thinking skills.
- Read critically: Reading is an important part of developing good critical thinking. While reading, try to actively engage with the material by asking ‘W’ (who, what, when, where) questions and making connections with other concepts.
- Practice problem-solving: Try to solve complex problems by creating logical solutions. You can also play games like puzzles, as they can boost your thinking skills.
- Engage in a debate or discussion: This will challenge your thinking and you can learn from other people’s point of view.
- Learn from feedback: Many people suggested that learning from feedback can improve critical thinking. However, this might be discouraging for you, so only do this if it suits you.
- Keep an open mind: You might have noticed that a person who is open-minded is always willing to consider new information and he/she avoids assumptions. This habit helps him/her look at the problem logically, hence improving critical thinking.
- Practice mindfulness: This can help you in focusing on your thoughts. Try to stay focused on the present moment and avoid getting distracted by irrelevant thoughts and worries.
By following these steps, you can improve your critical thinking skills and be better prepared for exams.
Let’s wrap up the whole idea by saying that developing good critical thinking is a skill that takes time and effort . Be patient yet persistent in your efforts. Surely, they will bring the best for you, as critical thinking can help you in succeeding in other domains of your life, like in the workplace.
Acknowledgements
Author: Muntazir Abbas
Mojza
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Published 12 March 2023
Last Updated: 4 July 2023
Written by Muntazir Abbas