Nurturing Minds To Navigate the Educational Seas: Approaches for Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Abstract

This chapter examines the significance of critical thinking (CT) and problem-solving (PS) in education, specifically emphasizing the training of teachers. The chapter starts with a definition of CT, providing a thorough comprehension of its fundamental components and importance in promoting autonomous reasoning and informed choices. The discourse then shifts to the challenges of fostering CT in educational environments, including prevalent beliefs and structural impediments. A theoretical framework is also established to contextualize the concept within pertinent educational theories, elucidating methods for the integration of CT into teaching and learning processes. The chapter analyzes the significance of CT in teacher education, emphasizing the necessity for pre-service teachers to cultivate these skills personally and to foster them within their classrooms. Finally, it provides pragmatic tactics and methodologies for instructing CT, equipping educators with tools and procedures to effectively include students in analytical inquiry and problem-solving. © 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.