1For many centuries, education mostly meant memorising facts and repeating them back to the teacher.
2Today, information is available everywhere, so the ability to judge it critically matters far more.
3Critical thinking means asking whether a claim is true, fair, and supported by solid evidence.
4Students who think critically do not accept an opinion simply because it is repeated loudly and confidently.
5They ask who wrote the text, what evidence is given, and what might be missing.
6Good teachers can train this skill by discussing real news stories instead of only textbook exercises.
7Group debates also work very well, because students must defend their views with clear reasons.
8Making mistakes during these open discussions is not a failure but an essential part of learning.
9Unfortunately, far too many exams still reward memorised answers more than original and careful thinking.
10Changing this situation will require new kinds of tests, patient teachers, and courage from school leaders.
11In the end, genuine education should teach people how to think, not what to think.