Developing Critical Thinking Skills Among Primary School Pupils In The Learning Process

Abstract

This theoretical and analytical study examines pedagogical approaches to developing critical thinking among primary school pupils. Drawing on foundational accounts of reflective thinking, sociocultural learning and critical-thinking skills, it identifies age-appropriate components of critical thinking and systematises six instructional approaches: problem-based learning, purposeful questioning, comparison and classification, discussion and collaborative work, graphic organisers, and reflective exercises. The analysis specifies the classroom conditions required for these approaches and proposes a five-stage instructional model encompassing activation of prior knowledge, a problem question, information analysis, justified conclusions and reflection. A classroom illustration concerning responsible water use demonstrates how the model may be implemented. The outcomes are a conceptual synthesis and practical recommendations rather than findings from an intervention study; the effectiveness of the model has not yet been empirically tested