Photo by Santi Vedrí on Unsplash

Critical thinking is a bit of a lost art. Nevertheless, possessing these skills is a crucial part of every child’s education and has profound significance on how they will navigate the workforce when they are adults.

Students with language processing and reading comprehension disorders such as dyslexia, as well as students with autism who oftentimes interpret language as highly literal, benefit from robust critical thinking curriculum. There is transformative power in critical thinking, enabling students with learning disabilities to learn to recognize logical fallacies, debate constructively, and spot media bias.

What Critical Thinking Actually Entails

Critical thinking goes beyond rote memorization and surface-level comprehension, which makes it challenging for some students with learning disabilities. It encompasses the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively.

One of the key strategies in cultivating critical thinking skills is providing students with diverse opportunities for exploration and inquiry-based learning. By engaging students in hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving scenarios, and open-ended discussions, educators can stimulate curiosity and encourage students to question, investigate, and draw connections between concepts.

Fostering an Environment That Emphasizes Critical Thinking

We integrate critical thinking into our curriculum in a variety of ways, including project-based learning, where students are encouraged to explore topics of interest, conduct research, and present their findings. This approach not only fosters independent thinking, but also promotes collaboration, communication, and creativity in students with learning disabilities.
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Metacognitive strategies, such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and reflection, empower students to take ownership of their learning and develop a deeper understanding of the processes that guide their thinking. By encouraging students to reflect on their thinking strategies and identify areas for improvement, educators can support the development of critical thinking skills that are valuable in school and beyond.

Critical thinking is for everyone, but for students with learning disabilities, it is especially important to implement teaching strategies that enable them to become confident, independent, and lifelong learners. We offer diverse opportunities for learning, through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and good old-fashioned compassion and empathy. Special education staff at Lake Michigan Academy are committed to equipping students with the critical thinking scaffolding they need in order to be eager learners in post-secondary education and beyond.