In a nutshell, critical thinking is the process of analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing information to make it meaningful for the individual. This process is well supported by problem-solving skills, whereby solutions are found to problems or issues that may impact the world around us.
Critical thinking and problem-solving are highly relevant for any age. Employers around the world are looking for critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially when we need to work together to adapt to change.
So how might we see this in action? Two young surfers, Alex and Andrew love swimming, diving, fishing and surfing. During a trip to Bali they were confronted with beaches covered in plastic. The ocean was filled with trash and every breaking wave delivered more garbage onto the shore. They decided they would hire boat captains and local workers to clean the ocean and coastlines. 4ocean was born and massive amounts of trash from the ocean has been collected. Check out their video https://youtu.be/8l4c2_UXfp4
Then, there is Boyal Slat. At age 18, he devised a concept that uses natural ocean currents to catch ocean plastic. The Ocean Cleanup is his project - https://www.boyanslat.com/
14-year-old, William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian, describes how he built a windmill to produce electricity during a time of poverty and famine - https://youtu.be/6QkNxt7MpWM
Do you know of any other examples where young people have exercised their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to bring about positive change? Please share.
Leave a Reply