Developing Critical Thinking and Communication Skills in Students: Implications for Practice in Education

Abstract

Critical thinking and communication competence are recognized by educators as vital skills required for mastery of school subjects. However, it is observed that these two skills are underdeveloped in students. In order, to fill this void, this paper aims at constructing a framework that would be employed by teachers in developing those skills. Teachers can make use of five step model to develop students towards critical thinking: determine learning objectives; Questioning techniques, allow practice, review refine, and improve teaching, provide feedback. Teacher should promote communication competence in students through task – based activities, such as group work, task work and information gap activities. It is therefore recommended that teachers’ need a solid understanding of the critical thinking, communication competence and its importance for effective teaching and learning; teachers must learn to think critically and must employ techniques that will enhance critical thinking in student. In-service training, Capacity Building workshops for professional development should be organized for teachers at all level on techniques to develop critical thinking, and communication competence in students.

Key words: Developing, Critical thinking, Communication skills, Students, Educational practices.