THE ROLE OF CRITICAL THINKING IN EDUCATION

Abstract

Critical thinking is one of the most essential competencies in 21st-century education. It enables students to analyze information, evaluate evidence, solve problems, and make reasoned decisions in academic and real-life situations. As education shifts from memorization to competency-based learning, critical thinking has become a key objective of teaching and learning. This study examines the role of critical thinking in education through a review of current educational literature. The findings indicate that students with strong critical thinking skills demonstrate better academic performance, creativity, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The study concludes that integrating critical thinking into classroom instruction is essential for preparing learners for higher education, employment, and lifelong learning.