why is asking questions so important in critical thinking

Importance of Questioning: Unlocking Critical Thinking Skills

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on April 7, 2023

Categories Self Improvement

Questioning is one of the most powerful tools in our repertoire. Whether we’re engaged in thoughtful conversations with someone else, actively exploring a problem to find a solution, or simply looking to understand ourselves better and the world around us – questioning plays a vital role! Asking the right questions can spark insightful dialogue, uncover new perspectives, stimulate creativity, and inspire meaningful growth. In today’s society, it can be easy to accept ideas without pause; however, just a moment to interrogate our thoughts can open up countless possibilities. We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore why questioning should be at the heart of all learning experiences!

The Importance of Questioning in Enhancing Critical Thinking and Learning

Questioning plays a crucial role in the development of critical thinking and learning.

Students, for example, engage in deeper analysis and evaluate the information presented by asking questions. This process helps them not only to retain new knowledge but also to comprehend complex ideas and make meaningful connections between different concepts.

The act of questioning promotes curiosity and enhances thinking, ultimately improving the overall learning experience.

Intentional questioning can significantly influence the quality of teaching and learning. Teachers who ask thought-provoking questions encourage students to think critically and exercise their problem-solving skills.

Moreover, better questions stimulate students’ curiosity and motivate them to participate actively in learning.

The practice of questioning not only improves critical thinking but also enhances communication skills. Students who engage in questioning-based learning are more likely to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively. This fosters a culture of independent thinking and enriches the learning environment.

Furthermore, implementing questioning techniques within classrooms helps students develop vital skills for the future.

In a rapidly changing world, asking better questions and analyzing problems thoroughly are essential for success. Using questions as a foundation for learning, students can acquire the mental agility to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

Roles of Questioning

Critical thinking.

Questioning plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills. By asking questions, we are encouraged to think deeply and analyze the information before reaching a conclusion. This approach helps us develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize data, improving our decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, questioning helps us understand different perspectives by challenging assumptions.

Active Learning

Employing questioning techniques supports active learning.

When we actively ask and answer questions, we are more likely to retain information and gain a deeper understanding of the material. We can use various questions, such as open-ended, closed, leading, or probing, to engage in topics and create an interactive learning environment.

When encouraged to participate in questioning, we become more invested in learning and more likely to acquire new knowledge and skills.

Building Engagement

Questioning fosters engagement and curiosity. We can stimulate and maintain our interest in subjects by asking thought-provoking and relevant questions. Engaging our minds through questioning increases participation, enhancing learning outcomes.

Effective questioning techniques can establish a positive climate where we feel comfortable expressing our ideas and opinions.

This environment promotes collaboration and peer learning together to explore and analyze ideas.

Types of Questions

Questioning promotes learning, fosters critical thinking, and facilitates communication. This section introduces different types of questions that can be used to elicit various responses and stimulate meaningful conversations. It is important to be aware of these distinctions when constructing questions, whether in an educational, professional, or personal context.

Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions encourage a comprehensive, thoughtful response and foster an open conversation. These questions typically begin with words such as “what,” “how,” “why,” or “describe.” Some examples of open-ended questions:

• What did you learn from that experience?
• How would you approach this problem?
• Why do you think this is the best course of action?

Open-ended questions can be used to probe further into a topic, foster creative thinking, or gather opinions or insights about a specific issue. They allow respondents to express their thoughts and opinions more freely and deeply than closed-ended questions.

When making documentary films, I found open-ended questions essential in garnering worthy testimonies from interviewees on camera.

Closed-Ended Questions

Closed-ended questions typically have a limited set of possible answers, such as “yes” or “no,” “true” or “false,” or a choice between multiple options. These questions help obtain specific information or gauge someone’s knowledge. Examples of closed-ended questions:

• Did you complete the project on time?
• Is that statement true or false?
• Which option do you prefer: A, B, or C?

While closed-ended questions can limit the depth of responses, they can provide focused answers and streamline decision-making in certain situations. Additionally, closed-ended questions are effective for surveys or assessments requiring quantitative data analysis.

Socratic Questioning

Socratic questioning refers to a disciplined and thoughtful style of questioning that encourages critical thinking and deep reflection. Socratic questioning can include clarifying, analyzing, probing assumptions, questioning viewpoints, and exploring implications. Examples of Socratic questions:

• What evidence supports your claim?
• What might be the consequences of that decision?
• Can you explain the reasoning behind your opinion?

Socratic questioning can enrich discussions, stimulate critical thinking, and challenge assumptions or biases. This approach helps develop a deeper understanding of a topic and fosters an environment of inquiry and intellectual curiosity.

Benefits of Questioning

Questioning serves a crucial role in personal and professional growth. This section discusses the various benefits of questioning, focusing on three key sub-sections: Improved Decision Making, Enhanced Problem Solving, and Increased Creativity.

Improved Decision Making

Asking the right questions helps individuals gather vital information to make informed decisions. It allows them to explore different perspectives and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Furthermore, questioning promotes critical thinking, enabling individuals to evaluate the credibility of sources and the accuracy of information. In the long run, a proper questioning practice builds a foundation for sound decision-making skills and helps individuals achieve better outcomes.

Enhanced Problem Solving

Questioning is a powerful tool for identifying the root causes of problems and developing efficient solutions. By asking relevant questions, individuals can isolate the critical aspects of a challenge and connect the dots between different pieces of information. This process fosters clarity and understanding, which are essential for effective problem-solving.

The habit of questioning also helps individuals develop the skills of pattern recognition, analysis, and synthesis, contributing to their overall problem-solving abilities.

Increased Creativity

One of the main drivers of creativity and innovation is the ability to ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions. Effective questioning encourages individuals to think outside the box, foster curiosity, and cultivate a sense of wonder.

When people engage in questioning, they form new patterns and connections in the brain, resulting in increased mental flexibility and adaptability. This enhanced mental agility enables individuals to consider alternative viewpoints and generate unique ideas, ultimately leading to heightened creativity.

Questioning in Education

The role of questioning in promoting a deeper understanding of subject matter.

Questioning is crucial in promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Educators can stimulate discussion, foster creative and critical thinking, and identify student misconceptions by engaging students with thought-provoking questions.

This process helps students review, restate, and emphasize essential concepts, making them more likely to retain and apply their knowledge meaningfully.

Different Types of Questions and Their Impact on Student Learning

In the classroom, various types of questions can impact student learning differently. Some examples include:

• Lower-order questions: These questions typically focus on recalling information and basic comprehension. While they help build a foundation, they may not push students to develop higher-order thinking skills.
• Higher-order questions require students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, promoting deeper learning and critical thinking.
• Inquiry-based questions are open-ended and designed to inspire curiosity, empowering students to participate in their learning journey actively.

Supporting Inquiry-Based Learning

Educators can support inquiry-based learning by fostering an environment in which questions are encouraged and valued. This approach prioritizes student curiosity, allowing them to explore the subject matter through their questions and ideas rather than relying solely on teacher-led instruction.

Inquiry-based learning helps students develop essential skills such as independent thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Developing Essential Skills

Effective questioning techniques can help students develop essential skills beyond the classroom. By engaging with meaningful questions, students learn to think critically, communicate complex ideas, and collaborate with peers to solve problems. These abilities are vital for academic success and personal and professional growth.

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Questioning

Effective questioning is essential in promoting learning and critical thinking. However, specific barriers may hinder the questioning process.

Dealing with Fear

Fear is one of the main barriers to effective questioning, as it may discourage us from asking questions or expressing our thoughts. To address this issue:

• We should foster an open, non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions.
• Encourage people to practice asking questions in a non-threatening setting, such as small groups or pair works.
• Offer positive reinforcement for questioning, emphasizing the value of curiosity and learning from mistakes.
• In an educational context, teach students how to ask clear, concise questions by providing examples and guidance.

Cultivating a Positive Environment

A positive environment is also crucial in facilitating effective questioning. We can cultivate a conducive learning atmosphere by:

• Modeling open-mindedness and demonstrating respect for diverse opinions.
• Creating opportunities for collaborative learning that encourage inquiry and problem-solving.
• Recognizing and addressing any biases, stereotypes, or misconceptions that may hinder questioning.
• Building trust by consistently assigning equal value to their contributions and promoting a sense of camaraderie.

Encouraging Peer Support

Peer support plays a vital role in overcoming the barriers to effective questioning. To nurture peer support with students, for example:

• Implement collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions, debates, or projects, where students work together towards a common goal.
• Teach students the importance and value of supporting their peers in the quest for knowledge, highlighting the collective benefits of a knowledge-sharing culture.
• Encourage students to offer positive feedback and constructive criticism.
• Provide opportunities for students to teach and learn from each other, illustrating the power of a knowledge-sharing network.

By implementing these strategies for Dealing with Fear, Cultivating a Positive Environment, and Encouraging Peer Support, teachers can effectively overcome the barriers to questioning in the learning environment.

Professional Development for Effective Questioning

Effective questioning is crucial for educators, team leaders, and professionals in various fields. As such, seeking professional development opportunities to hone this skill is essential. Focusing on different questioning techniques can lead to better communication, enhanced problem-solving, and improved group dynamics.

One way to develop questioning skills is by attending workshops, seminars, or communication and questioning techniques courses. Examples include the Chicago Center for Teaching and the Center for Teaching Innovation programs. These offerings provide information on asking open-ended questions, encouraging higher-order thinking, and stimulating group discussion.

Another approach is self-reflective practice, which involves reviewing and evaluating one’s questioning habits. This can be done by:

• Auditing the types of questions you ask in various contexts
• Analyzing the impact of your questions on group dynamics
• Identifying areas for improvement and setting specific goals

Online resources, like articles on questioning techniques and professional advice, can also help supplement professional development efforts. These sources offer tips and examples of effective probing, leading, and open questions that can be adapted to various settings.

Finally, engaging with peers and mentors is essential to professional development. Participating in professional learning communities, seeking feedback from colleagues, and observing skilled questioners in action can provide valuable insights on improving one’s questioning techniques.

The Impact of Effective Questioning on Comprehension and Idea Generation

Effective questioning is crucial in fostering deep comprehension and promoting idea generation. Using thought-provoking questions, we can actively engage with the content and think critically about the subject matter.

This approach reinforces learning and encourages us to develop our perspectives and ideas.

Utilizing various questioning techniques allows us to address different learning styles and preferences, catering to our diverse needs.

Question The Answers ~ The Importance of Critical Thinking

It strikes me that this is an era of pressing choices – personal and collective.  Conditioned and habituated thinking cannot address the complexities we face. We’re  caught up in old, polarized, binary thinking that is not only an impediment to our growth – but regressive and potentially dangerous.  How do we make complex decisions in the face of such pressure? 

What tools do we need to create mindsets that can address the intricacies of problems we face that were unimaginable a generation ago?   Important questions that challenge existing models of leadership, corporate and government actions like  climate change, human rights, global health crises and deepening income equality are being raised with greater urgency. 

Without critical thinking  – the ability to challenge our own thought processes, beliefs, values and actions – we cannot move forward to course correct and create new paths forward.

“Heresy is another word for freedom of thought.” Graham Greene

We often hear people say, “We need more critical thinking in the world, we should be teaching it in schools.” I don’t disagree with those ideas. But I wonder if we understand how much change real critical thinking would bring – to our schools, to the workplace, to our cultures and to our personal lives. I’m not an expert in the progress of pedagogy, but I suspect that the teaching of critical thinking isn’t at the top of most school lists. We don’t really understand critical thinking enough to know how much we struggle and suffer from a lack of it.

Most corporations and institutions say they need innovation, creativity, sustainability and trust to compete in the 21 st century.  They understand that the new worker is a knowledge worker and that continuous learning is the jewel in the crown of assets to get there. But I don’t think they really mean they want critical thinkers.

Critical thinkers ask questions. They must “live in the questions ” as the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote. To the critical mind, questions lead to more questions. Critical thinkers not only challenge the status quo, they shake it up. They turn the status quo on its head and always ask, “Is there another way?”   That’s not comfortable to those who have an “immunity” to change . That’s why it’s tough for most institutions and organizations to really embrace the full meaning and possibility of unleashing critical thinking within their cultures. While we’re in the grip of a powerful cultural meme that says that governments stifle progress and growth and businesses free it – neither are true.

Critical thinkers pose a threat to norms, to the safe and the orthodox. Critical thinkers toss the moneylenders out of the temple. Their very essence is to challenge atrophied practices and outdated assumptions. For critical thinking to thrive, it must operate in an atmosphere of trust. Power politics, organizational and personal,  shut down free thinking and the honest exchange of ideas – and are the enemy of critical thought.

The Essence of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essentially the ability to think about thinking .

Most people don’t think about their thinking, and it’s not a skill many of us have acquired. In a results-driven culture, thinking about thinking feels passive. But developing the skills of a critical thinker is anything but passive. In its purest form, it requires the present and active involvement and engagement of the thinker in every experience.

In defining critical thinking many people get negatively hooked by the word – critical . The critical in the context of critical thinking doesn’t mean disapproval or judgment.  In fact, the skilled critical thinker needs to be able to think with great clarity and neutrality. The critical thinker is not without opinion, but is able to view experience from multiple perspectives.

Developing the Tools of Critical Thinking

The classic core elements of critical thinking include : observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and meta-cognition. How we understand and define these tools is important to the development of critical thinking.

• Observation – I think of this as the constant development and refinement of our ability to not only be self-aware but to cultivate the neutral (non-judgmental) “witnessing” of our own experience of self and others. This is the core skill we use to build critical thought.
• Challenging Beliefs and Norms  – Norms form around comfort. While comfort may feel good, it can also be a refuge from change. Unexamined beliefs form major blind spots to critical thinking. We cannot discern the evidence we need to substantiate certain claims and assertions, if non-factual beliefs dominate our thinking.
• Ask Deep and Engaging Questions  – Questions are surely the crux of critical thinking, but learning to ask deeper and more engaging questions is the key. Most of us have been conditioned by rote learning and memorization and our questioning skills have been weakened in the process. We also want to cut to the chase to get things done – this being the enemy of the thoughtful exploration of questioning and thinking together
• Body – Mind Integration – One major cultural assumption that limits critical thinking is the idea that emotions are the enemy of reason. Rationality (the thinking we associate with the neo-cortical functions of our brain) is nearly always considered the Supreme ruler of critical thinking. Truth is we need a greater ability to integrate and balance both our so-called thinking brain and our feeling brain to maximize understanding and heighten experience. Familiarity with information from our feeling brain invites intuitive and sensual experience into the equation.
• Collaborative Thinking – Critical thinking is social thinking . Practices in all areas of culture, but especially in the workplace, continue to foster authoritarian, left-brain, hierarchical thinking processes. Collaborative thinking requires exceptional listening abilities and the willingness to let go of control in over-asserting our own positions.
• Information and Learning – The critical thinker understands that learning is a continuous process and is actively seeking and open to new ideas and experiences. The critical thinker seeks out information not as a means to an end but to understand more about other people, their experiences and the larger world. Effective critical thinking requires us to understand the biases that keep our thinking narrow and limited.
• Becoming Literate in the Emotions that Support Critical Thought – All emotions are of value to the critical thinker, but some are particularly important to engage, promote and sustain critical thought. Courage, confidence, enthusiasm, excitement, fascination, passion, optimism, satisfaction, wonder, appreciation, empathy, compassion, acceptance, calm and curiosity – the great driver of critical thought.
• Meta Cognition – A very spiffy term to describe the critical thinker’s automatic awareness of their own knowledge and their ability to understand and control their own cognitive process. So – learning more about how we learn serves the critical thinker in their continuous path of growth.

Our need for critical thinking is greater today than ever before. We need to find a way to step outside of isolated and polarized thinking. We must learn to question the assumptions, information and behaviors that have led us to where we are now.  Most of us would agree that tepid reforms won’t change our workplaces or our culture. Critical thinkers challenge the safe, the comfortable and the inevitable. They are always going for ideas that have greater impact and depth. They make connections between things that appear on the surface as unrelated. They seek out possibilities even when problems seem insurmountable. If we want to truly unleash the power of critical thinking, we’ll have to overcome the barriers of fear and passivity; entrenched and informal power arrangements; bias and conformity and the willingness to tolerate uncertainty.

Thanks for reading!

Louise Altman,   Intentional Communication Consultants Join our mailing list and receive our occasional mailings!

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Why Is Asking Questions Important In Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a crucial skill that helps individuals analyze and evaluate information effectively. It is essential in all aspects of life, from personal decision-making to professional problem-solving.

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is the ability to ask meaningful and relevant questions. A question may arise at this stage: Why is asking questions important in critical thinking ?

Asking questions is important in critical thinking because it encourages us to explore our ideas and beliefs, challenge assumptions, and seek evidence to support or refute our conclusions.

However, if you want to know more about the impotence of asking questions in critical thinking, read the entire content. Here you’ll find a comprehensive discussion regarding that.

Table of Contents

How Do Questions Stimulate Critical Thinking?

Asking questions is a crucial strategy for stimulating critical thinking . Questions encourage learners to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, essential problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Practical questions are those that challenge learners to think deeply and critically, and they require higher-order thinking skills. Teachers can ask questions that provoke learners to think more critically and find solutions to real-life situations.

Typically, critical questions require learners to use reasoning and evidence to support their responses, helping them to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the concepts being taught.

Critical thinking skills are necessary in the classroom, everyday life, and personal relationships. Thus, developing questioning skills is an innate skill that contributes to success in life and is considered a core life skill.

Why Are Asking Questions Important In Critical Thinking?

By asking the right questions, individuals can gather information, analyze it, and come to well-informed conclusions. Here, we will explore why asking questions is important in critical thinking.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is a crucial skill that is essential for success in everyday life and education. It involves various cognitive and analytical skills such as observation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis.

Asking questions is an innate skill that is an integral part of the critical thinking process . It helps individuals to gather information, clarify their understanding, and develop insights into complex situations or concepts.

Generating New Ideas

Asking effective questions can also help individuals to generate new ideas and perspectives. Individuals can challenge assumptions, identify biases, and explore alternative solutions by asking divergent or higher-order questions. This can lead to breakthroughs in learning and innovation.

Enhancing Learning Process

In a classroom setting, asking critical questions can help teachers and students to create a collaborative learning environment. Teachers can encourage students to think deeply and engage in meaningful discussions by asking open-ended questions. This can also help students to develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to ask effective questions.

Role of Effective Questions

Asking effective questions is a core life skill that can be applied in various domains such as personal life, professional life, and education. By asking critical questions, individuals can enhance their reasoning and decision-making abilities and develop a deeper understanding of complex situations or concepts. It can also help individuals communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.

Strategies for Asking Critical Questions

There are various strategies that individuals can use to ask critical questions. These include using a taxonomy of questions, asking convergent or funnel questions, using higher-order thinking questions, and using active listening strategies. By using these strategies, individuals can develop their questioning skills and become more effective critical thinkers.

Read More: What Part Of The Brain Controls Critical Thinking?

Purpose of Asking Questions in Critical Thinking

Asking questions is a fundamental component of critical thinking and helps develop critical thinking skills. In this response, we will discuss the purpose of asking questions in critical thinking.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills through Questions

Asking questions is an effective way to develop critical thinking skills. It helps individuals to evaluate information, analyze situations, and generate solutions. Individuals are forced to think critically and develop reasoning skills by asking questions. They learn to identify assumptions, evaluate evidence, and consider alternative perspectives.

Role of Questions in the Learning Process

Asking questions plays a significant role in the learning process. It helps learners to understand concepts better and retain information. It encourages learners to participate actively in the learning process, which promotes engagement and motivation. Effective questions can also help to identify gaps in learners’ understanding and provide an opportunity for clarification.

Effective Questions for Critical Thinking

Effective questions for critical thinking should be open-ended and challenging. They should encourage learners to analyze and evaluate information, consider alternative perspectives, and generate solutions. Divergent and higher-order questions are particularly effective in promoting critical thinking.

Application of Critical Thinking in every day and Personal Life

Critical thinking is not limited to the classroom or formal education settings. It is an essential skill that individuals can apply in their personal and everyday lives. Individuals can evaluate information, make informed decisions, and solve problems by asking critical questions.

Role of Teachers in Promoting Critical Thinking

Teachers play a significant role in promoting critical thinking skills in learners. They can use questioning strategies to promote critical thinking and engage learners in learning. Teachers can also model critical thinking skills and provide feedback to learners to help them develop their skills.

Types of Questions That Promote Critical Thinking

Effective questions require higher-order thinking skills to respond, challenge preconceptions, and encourage reasoned responses. Here are some types of questions that promote critical thinking:

• Divergent Questions: These questions have many possible answers and encourage creative thinking. They require an individual to generate ideas and think outside the box.
• Higher-Order Questions: These questions require a deeper understanding of a concept or topic and require an individual to apply critical thinking skills.
• Convergent Questions: These questions have only one correct answer and require an individual to use reasoning skills to arrive at the answer.
• Funnel Questions: These questions start with a broad topic and gradually narrow it down to a specific answer, requiring an individual to think critically about it.
• Critical Questions: These questions challenge preconceptions and require an individual to evaluate evidence and arguments to arrive at a reasoned response.
• Higher-Order Thinking Questions: These questions require an individual to apply critical thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Applications of Critical Thinking And Questioning In Different Contexts

Critical thinking and questioning are essential skills that can be applied in various contexts, from everyday life to education and beyond. Here are some ways to apply critical thinking and questioning in different domains.

Critical thinking and questioning are vital components of effective teaching and learning in education. Teachers can use critical thinking strategies to challenge students’ understanding of concepts and encourage them to think deeply about their learning. Effective questions can facilitate learning and help students develop higher-order thinking skills.

Critical thinking and questioning skills are crucial for problem-solving and decision-making in business. Leaders can use critical thinking strategies to analyze complex problems, identify potential solutions, and evaluate the best course of action. Effective questioning skills can help business professionals to gather information, challenge assumptions, and generate new ideas.

Critical thinking and questioning are essential in healthcare to ensure effective patient care. Healthcare professionals can use critical thinking strategies to diagnose and treat patients, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and identify potential risks. Effective questioning skills can help healthcare professionals to gather information, assess patients’ needs, and provide appropriate care.

Personal life

Critical thinking and questioning skills are valuable in everyday life and personal development. Individuals can use critical thinking strategies to assess their beliefs and assumptions, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. Effective questioning skills can help individuals to clarify their thoughts, challenge assumptions, and generate new ideas.

Final Thoughts

After reading the discussion above, you may have understood: Why is asking questions important in critical thinking? Typically, asking questions helps to open up dialogue and encourages further exploration of a topic.

It allows individuals to challenge their thinking and consider alternative perspectives. This is important in developing an understanding of the complexities of a particular issue and the potential solutions.

How Do Emotions Positively And Negatively Influence Critical Thinking?

Can Critical Thinking Be Taught? Explained!

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Critical Thinking Is About Asking Better Questions

• John Coleman

Six practices to sharpen your inquiry.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and effectively break down an issue in order to make a decision or find a solution. At the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate deep, different, and effective questions. For effective questioning, start by holding your hypotheses loosely. Be willing to fundamentally reconsider your initial conclusions — and do so without defensiveness. Second, listen more than you talk through active listening. Third, leave your queries open-ended, and avoid yes-or-no questions. Fourth, consider the counterintuitive to avoid falling into groupthink. Fifth, take the time to stew in a problem, rather than making decisions unnecessarily quickly. Last, ask thoughtful, even difficult, follow-ups.

Are you tackling a new and difficult problem at work? Recently promoted and trying to both understand your new role and bring a fresh perspective? Or are you new to the workforce and seeking ways to meaningfully contribute alongside your more experienced colleagues? If so, critical thinking — the ability to analyze and effectively break down an issue in order to make a decision or find a solution — will be core to your success. And at the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate deep, different, and effective questions.

• JC John Coleman is the author of the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022). johnwcoleman

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Emma Sue Prince

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• February 3, 2020

Critical thinking: the art of asking questions

• By Emma Sue Prince

• Tags: Behavioural Skills , Communication

Asking great questions is a huge part of thinking critically, yet so often we either don’t ask enough questions or even the ‘right’ questions. This is because we don’t slow down long enough to either really listen (when asking questions of others) or really reflect (when asking questions of ourselves). Yet the more we can ask questions the more creativity, innovation, solutions and breakthroughs we encourage.

Questioning can spark change in your life, your business, or in the world around you. Questions like ‘what if we did this?’, ‘what if we tried that?’ can lead to new ideas, products and services as long as we stick with them and keep asking more questions.

Remember to look up at the stars, not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. – Stephen Hawking 

In our lives, in general, there’s a tendency to move along on auto-pilot when it would be so much better to regularly step back and question everything—about our career choices, about our attitudes and beliefs, about the ways we choose to live. Questioning is good for us. It can help to open up new possibilities in our lives. It’s a first step in solving problems. It makes us more successful as leaders. People who ask a lot of questions tend to be more engaged in their lives, more fulfilled, and happier.

Challenging assumptions

When it comes to thinking critically, questioning our assumptions is vital. These assumptions are automatic and immediate and we need to learn how to question them more: ‘why is this image/thought/idea coming to mind?’ ‘what does this situation remind me of that is making me feel stressed right now?’ or even commenting to ourselves: ‘oops, there I go again acting on my assumptions’ – generally in any situation just asking one more question can be the difference between understanding, strong communication and great responses over reactionary, defensive behaviour because we are acting on assumptions and limiting beliefs. What would it be like if every decision you made didn’t involve your personal feelings or over-emotional reactions? What if your perspective was always balanced and decisions completely informed?

In critical thinking, whether in business, in our personal lives or education we are taught to question everything. The question behind the question, however, is: what questions should you be asking?

• Open questions (when asking questions of others) are better: ‘how do you feel about….’, ‘what’s your take on….’ ‘where do you think this idea came from…’ ‘what makes you say that?’  
• Specific questions can be helpful when you are asking yourself questions to better understand your responses or to have more accurate information about a situation or something you’ve read on social media: ‘is this an opinion?’ ‘is this even news?’ (news posted on social media may not be news at all – it may be clickbait, gossip/rumours, outrage or just poorly written and evidenced), ‘who paid for this survey and how big is the sample size?’ (when it comes to ‘statistics’), ‘what do I want to stop doing/start doing/do more of/do less of?’ when it comes to making choices about your life or direction.

There are infinite questions you can ask – the most important thing is that the question you ask should give you more insight, data, information that you did not have before. It’s also important to stick with it – sometimes the answer is not immediate, in fact most of the time the answer will evolve.

Capture thoughts, ideas, and insights either together with your team at work or for yourself in a notebook. Never take things at face value – in fact in every interaction and encounter with anybody and with any information you are presented with try to insert just one question that give you more.

Interested in this topic? Read  Personal development: five ways to improve your critical thinking skills .

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To Get Better Thinking, Ask Better Questions

APRIL 12, 2023

Every child is born with a questioning mind. Two-year-olds are famous for continually asking “why?”—and never being satisfied with the first answer. They are always trying to get to the “why beyond the why,” that next-level reasoning behind our first response. 

To build critical thinking skills, we need to nurture this questioning mind as children get older. Too often, children are trained (intentionally or unintentionally) to see learning as a process of finding the one “right answer.” But the heart of critical thinking is looking beyond simple answers and getting to deeper levels of understanding—“the why beyond the why.” Students who continually question to test their understanding, dig deeper into a topic, or even challenge the status quo are developing the critical thinking skills they will need to become lifelong learners and problem solvers. In fact, it is precisely the ability to keep asking better questions that leads to great discoveries and new ways of thinking in all disciplines and fields. Here’s how you can help students take “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” to the next level to support higher levels of learning. 

Critical Thinking and Questioning  

Socrates recognized the importance of questioning for developing understanding and reasoning skills more than 2,000 years ago. The Socratic Method of teaching through questioning still stands up today. But even more important than asking questions is teaching students how to ask their own questions. In many ways, this can be considered the essence of critical thinking. Paul and Elder (2000), in Critical Thinking: Basic Theory and Practice , explain, “Thinking is not driven by answers but by questions. Had no questions been asked by those who laid the foundation for a field…the field would never have developed in the first place.”

Questioning is closely tied to the process of metacognition , or “thinking about our own thinking.” Metacognitive questions that support higher-level thinking include: 

• What do I already know about this?
• How do I know this?
• How reliable and unbiased are my sources of information? 
• When would I use this, and for what purpose?
• How does this connect to other things I know? 
• How does this change my thinking about a related topic?
• What pieces of this do I still not understand?
• What else do I need to find out, and where can I find the information?

Beyond the Five Ws: Increasing the Rigor of Our Questions  

We often teach children questioning through the “5 Ws and 1 H”: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Often, we think of the first four questions—the Who, What, When, and Where—as basic knowledge questions and Why and How as higher-level questions. But it’s not always that simple. It is possible to create both higher-level and lower-level questions for all the Ws (and H). Consider the difference between these “Who” questions: 

• Who drafted the Marshall Plan?
• Who were the primary beneficiaries of the Marshall Plan?

The first question is a basic knowledge question—Google it, write it down, move on to the next question. The second question asks students to think about what the treaty says, who it was written to benefit, and in what ways—a much higher-level task. 

Increasing the rigor of the questions we ask—and the questions we teach students to ask for themselves—is one of the key ways that we increase rigor for the assignment as a whole. Here are some examples of lower-level and higher-level questions for the 5Ws and H: 

The questions in the figure above are only a few examples out of hundreds of possible questions at every level of Bloom’s taxonomy. And of course, there are hundreds more that don’t fit within the “5 Ws and H” framework. Questions like:

• Do you believe…?
• Can you create…?
• Is there a better solution for…?
• Can you think of an example of…?
• Could this have happened if….? 

Support for Rigorous Questioning with Thinking Maps and the Frame of Reference 

To move students to higher levels of rigor, encourage them to keep asking questions—to get to the “why (and how) behind the why.” The best kinds of questions are those that don’t have a simple answer that can be found through a Google search or expressed as a multiple-choice question. In a Ted-Ed Blog , Mary Halton (2019) recommends four strategies (based on the work of Brian Oshiro) for moving beyond the superficial: 

• Go beyond “what” and ask “how?” and “why?”
• Follow up with “How do you know this?” 
• Prompt them to think about perspective. 
• Ask them how to solve the problem. 

For example, if you want students to understand the impacts of a new piece of legislation, you can start with the question, “what are the intended outcomes of this legislation?” It’s not a bad question—but you can take it further with related “how” and “why” questions. For example: 

• How will this legislation achieve those outcomes?
• Why should our community vote for or against this legislation? 

Students can work through these questions using a multiple-Map Thinking Maps exercise. 

• A Multi-Flow Map is used to show the intended outcomes of the bill (cause-and-effect). 
• A Flow Map could be used to show the mechanisms leading to each outcome—what actually happens in the chain of events from legislation to outcome?
• They could use Tree Maps to explore the pros and cons of the legislation or show how it impacts different groups of stakeholders. 
• A writing Flow Map can be used to help them organize their ideas for an opinion piece. 

Students can continue to go deeper with questions like, “What unintended effects might result from this legislation?” and “How would you change this bill to avoid those unintended effects?” Students can use and combine Thinking Maps in a variety of ways to explore these higher-level questions. 

“How do you know this?” and “What is the perspective?” are important questions, too. Students need to be able to determine the source of their information and understand the perspectives and potential biases that may be influencing the way information is presented. In a Thinking Maps school, students learn to use the Frame of Reference to explore questions such as:

• Where did you get your information?
• What is the point of view that is influencing this information source?
• What conclusions can you draw from this information?

As students learn to show their thinking through Thinking Maps, they are also learning to use and apply the academic language that corresponds to each Map, including questioning language. Using the Maps, students learn how to ask, and answer, questions at all levels of thinking. 

Going further: 

• Download a whitepaper: Metacognition . 
• Watch a webinar: Building a Deep Structure for Critical Thinking
• Check out this month’s Navigator: Rigor, Bloom, and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (For Thinking Maps Learning Community (TMLC) members only.)

To learn more about implementing Thinking Maps, talk to your Thinking Maps representative . 

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A majority of teachers believe that students are finally catching up from pandemic learning losses. But those gains are far from evenly distributed—and too many students were already behind before the pandemic. To close these achievement gaps, schools and districts need to focus on the underlying issue: the critical thinking gap.

Questioning approaches: why ask questions?

Part of Big Questions Little Questions (BQLQ), critical thinking skills for sixth form students from the University of Oxford

A huge part of critical thinking is about learning when to ask the right questions, at the right time, about the right thing. This is a difficult skill to master but the more you practice it and learn good habits the easier it gets. This can help you more than in just coming to well-formed, academically sound judgments: it can help you in your daily life too!

Think about it. You ask yourself hundreds of small questions everyday: and don’t even realise it!

For example, say you left out a glass of water and you come across it later. Unconsciously, you’d ask yourself,  ‘how long has it been there for?’ , ‘is it warm now?’ and ‘will it taste weird when I drink it?’ This is essentially the premise of critical thinking:  taking this innate skill we have and channelling it in a critical, productive way to form sound judgments.

In trying to apply this skill to your studies, let’s take Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as an example. Say you’re thinking about what the green light in the book means, you might ask yourself ‘what does the colour ‘green’ suggest?’, ‘why is the light so far away?’ and/or ‘how often does it reoccur in the book?’.

These smaller questions are the basis of how you answer your bigger question, and are the key to getting there. Behind all big discoveries are little questions and these questions can be about things in everyday life, just as much as they can be about academic matters. By asking these sorts of questions, we can expand our horizons, and sometimes it’s the answers to the little questions that take us down unexpected lines of enquiry, and ultimately lead us a different angle or answer than we might have initially expected. This helps you to really develop your own arguments and opinions: another great skill to develop, and a part of critical thinking!

These questions are at the route of developing our knowledge on certain topics. This is something that is very important to develop in the academic world, as just presenting facts isn’t what’s encouraged at university level and beyond, but forming ideas, opinions, and arguments routed in knowledge is. Besides, facts are just the most commonly agreed upon consensus, too, so being able to differentiate when you’re presenting fact versus knowledge is really important!

To recap, it’s important to ask questions in academic and everyday life. It can help to expand our horizons and sometimes leads us to answer big questions in unexpected ways but learning to recognise that we already ask ourselves questions and harnessing this skill in your studies is key to building critical thinking skills. It can also help you to start building up your knowledge, opinions and arguments.

Now take a look at the worksheet below. Pick one of the big questions below and come up with as many little questions as you can.

You can print it off and fill it in, or write your own notes in a notepad or wherever you’d like. The point is to start breaking down an unwieldy topic into manageable ones.

Why ask questions? worksheet

Download a PDF

Questioning approaches introduction

BQLQ resource hub

Types of questions

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It

Updated: July 8, 2024

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing facts to form a judgment. Essentially, it involves thinking about thinking. Historically, it dates back to the teachings of Socrates , as documented by Plato.

Today, it is seen as a complex concept understood best by philosophers and psychologists. Modern definitions include “reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do” and “deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

Photo by Marcelo Chagas from Pexels

6. the basis of science & democracy.

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do, but much of this essential skill is encouraged and practiced in school. Fostering a culture of inquiry is crucial, encouraging students to ask questions, analyze information, and evaluate evidence.

Teaching strategies like Socratic questioning, problem-based learning, and collaborative discussions help students think for themselves. When teachers ask questions, students can respond critically and reflect on their learning. Group discussions also expand their thinking, making them independent thinkers and effective problem solvers.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Critical thinking is a valuable asset in any career. Employers value employees who can think critically, ask insightful questions, and offer creative solutions. Demonstrating critical thinking skills can set you apart in the workplace, showing your ability to tackle complex problems and make informed decisions.

In many careers, from law and medicine to business and engineering, critical thinking is essential. Lawyers analyze cases, doctors diagnose patients, business analysts evaluate market trends, and engineers solve technical issues—all requiring strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking also enhances your ability to communicate effectively, making you a better team member and leader. By analyzing and evaluating information, you can present clear, logical arguments and make persuasive presentations.

Incorporating critical thinking into your career helps you stay adaptable and innovative. It encourages continuous learning and improvement, which are crucial for professional growth and success in a rapidly changing job market.

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile from Pexels

Critical thinking is a vital skill with far-reaching benefits for personal and professional success. It involves systematic skills such as analysis, evaluation, inference, interpretation, and explanation to assess information and arguments.

By gathering relevant data, considering alternative perspectives, and using logical reasoning, critical thinking enables informed decision-making. Reflecting on and refining these processes further enhances their effectiveness.

The future of critical thinking holds significant importance as it remains essential for adapting to evolving challenges and making sound decisions in various aspects of life.

What are the benefits of developing critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking enhances decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to evaluate information critically. It helps in making informed decisions, understanding others’ perspectives, and improving overall cognitive abilities.

How does critical thinking contribute to problem-solving abilities?

Critical thinking enables you to analyze problems thoroughly, consider multiple solutions, and choose the most effective approach. It fosters creativity and innovative thinking in finding solutions.

What role does critical thinking play in academic success?

Critical thinking is crucial in academics as it allows you to analyze texts, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and understand complex concepts, leading to better academic performance.

How does critical thinking promote effective communication skills?

Critical thinking helps you articulate thoughts clearly, listen actively, and engage in meaningful discussions. It improves your ability to argue logically and understand different viewpoints.

How can critical thinking skills be applied in everyday situations?

You can use critical thinking to make better personal and professional decisions, solve everyday problems efficiently, and understand the world around you more deeply.

What role does skepticism play in critical thinking?

Skepticism encourages questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. It helps in developing a more rigorous and open-minded approach to thinking.

What strategies can enhance critical thinking?

Strategies include asking probing questions, engaging in reflective thinking, practicing problem-solving, seeking diverse perspectives, and analyzing information critically and logically.

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone. Read More

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Why Critical Thinking Questions Are So Important For Students

Students often focus on “what” they need to learn, but one of the most important things they can learn in your classroom is critical thinking skills. Using effective questioning can help foster critical thinking and deeper learning. 

Let’s take a look at different kinds of critical thinking questions and how to use them with students. 

Examples of higher order thinking questions

Closed-ended questions have a limited set of answers, while open-ended questions have more thoughtful or expansive answers. Both have a place in the classroom — and even critical thinking. 

According to Bloom’s taxonomy, students expand knowledge in progression from simplest skills to those that build on earlier skills. 

Close-ended questions are good for checking what students remember and understand, but it doesn’t end there. Close-ended questions can help students gather more information that may lead to additional questioning.

Critical thinking questions can engage students in a variety of upper level thinking skills. For example:

• Analyze —Breakdown the process into the essential steps. —Analyze the theme of loneliness in the poem. 
• Evaluate —How effective is the argument for starting school earlier in the day? —What are the pros and cons of building a bike path in town? 
• Create —What would happen if the internet stopped working? —How would you design a program to help kids with homework? 

We made it easy for you to bring more open-ended critical thinking questions to your classroom with Elevate Thinking: 60 Critical Question Stems for Deeper Learning . 

Stems cover: 

• Comparing and Contrasting
• Predicting and Hypothesizing
• Clarifying and Elaborating

Get your copy to start elevating thinking today.

Using more critical thinking questions 

When you use critical thinking questions with your class, you’ll encourage students to reflect more and come to a deeper understanding of the material and their own thought processes. You’ll also be modeling the art of questioning for students. 

Questions to examine thought process include:

• Can you explain how you got that answer?
• What evidence did you use to conclude that? 
• Where could you look for more information about this?
• How would you approach this problem?

Students can journal on these questions or have facilitated conversations. 

To help students develop their own questions for inquiry-based learning, encourage them to ask a variety of questions. For starters, have them ask who, what, when, why, and how questions. 

Point out that sometimes a line of inquiry brings up new information that can lead to a new set of questions. 

They can also consider questions like:

• What don’t we know? 
• What are other perspectives on this topic? Which voices aren’t being heard?
• What are other/similar examples? 

Or give them some higher-level thinking stems and have them use them to create their own questions. 

Elevate Thinking: 60 Critical Question Stems for Deeper Learning . 

Get your FREE copy: 

For subject-specific resources that complement these critical thinking stems, visit the store at https://topnotchteaching.com/store/ . There, you’ll find a wide range of products designed to enhance learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, and more.

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