Critical thinking is widely recognised as one of the most important skills of the future. A rational approach to reality, along with the skills of asking the right questions and evaluating information, is something that needs to be learned. How can it be developed?

Critical thinking should be learned

There are many definitions of critical thinking. In ‘Cognitive Psychology’, Prof. Edward Nęcka defines it as ‘a form of realistic thinking oriented towards a specific goal, namely evaluation.’

According to Nęcka, the purpose of critical thinking is ‘a reliable and realistic assessment of key aspects of human intellectual activity’. Simply put, critical thinking means looking beyond appearances and seeking to understand how things truly are. We analyse, ask questions and verify sources in order to get to the heart of the matter and/or choose the best possible solution.

Critical thinking is recognised as a competence, which means it can be learned. In the European Commission’s assessment, critical thinking will be one of the key skills of the future.

Critical thinking – many skills in one

Critical thinking brings together a set of skills that make it possible to break down even the most complex problems, while fostering an attitude of healthy scepticism. These skills include:

• data analysis,
• synthesising conclusions,
• assessing the credibility of information,
• evaluating and verifying sources,
• asking the right questions,
• openness to learning and revising one’s views.

In practice, critical thinking begins with questioning the information we receive. To turn this into a habit, we need to put ourselves in the role of the sceptic as often as possible. This is not easy, as the human brain does not like excessive effort. As Prof. Tomasz Grzyb from SWPS University points out in his article ‘Critical Thinking – How to Learn It’, ‘thinking hurts’: it demands far more energy than so-called automatic thinking, which leans on ready-made, ‘obvious’ answers. According to Grzyb, for this reason, critical thinking should be taught from an early age, both at home and at school.

Critical thinking is worth practising throughout life

Critical thinking can be broadly divided into several stages:

1. Gathering or receiving information.
2. Identifying the key points.
3. Analysing and interpreting the data presented.
4. Assessing the credibility of the sources used.
5. Summarising the most important findings.
6. Formulating logical conclusions.
7. Making a decision and choosing a solution.

Constant vigilance is essential – we should remain cautious not only towards others’ beliefs, but also towards our own biases.

Critical thinking enables making decisions based on a thorough analysis of all available data and an assessment of the potential consequences of each option. For such a process to take place automatically whenever we encounter new information, regular practice is required. Helpful methods include:

• mindful reading and watching of articles, posts, and videos on social media (when engaging with online content, it’s important to keep a critical distance and constantly ask questions like: where does this information come from? Is the source impartial? Do other sources provide the same data?),
• engaging in discussions – critical thinking develops best through conversation. Discussions expose us to different perspectives, allow us to challenge and revise our beliefs, and help us learn to argue, separating facts from emotions,
• solving logic puzzles (practising logical reasoning is fundamental to critical thinking),
• reading literature – seeing the world from another person’s perspective is a valuable way to learn not to accept appearances without checking what lies beneath,
• asking questions – the ability to ask the right questions is central to critical thinking, which is why it is so important to practise it, for example by writing question lists or setting personal challenges (e.g. ‘If I were a journalist and could ask this politician three questions, they would be…’).

Critical thinking – validated through microcredentials

Why is learning critical thinking so important? In a world flooded with information, much of it false or from questionable sources, critical thinking helps us cut through the noise and avoid taking everything at face value. It allows us to analyse and interpret an ever-changing, complex reality and to respond to its challenges. It protects against manipulation and enables mindful participation in social life.

One of the greatest benefits of critical thinking is the ability to make decisions based on in-depth analysis and logical reasoning, free from prejudice and with reduced emotional bias. This competence can be used at key moments in life (such as choosing a career path, a school, or changing professions), as well as in professional work.

Applying critical thinking leads to:

• avoiding impulsive, emotion-driven decisions,
• accurate analysis of even highly complex situations,
• effective problem-solving,
• resistance to manipulation,
• intellectual development,
• improved communication with others,
• building a reputation as a rational, level-headed person who distinguishes facts from opinions.

Many leaders are keen to work with people who possess these qualities. Today, many employers seek candidates who can think critically; although it is not easy to demonstrate, as traditional CVs offer little space to showcase such skills. Yet, according to forecasts by organisations such as the World Economic Forum, skills related to critical thinking are to become a key factor in determining success in the job market.

However, there is a way to recognise skills that aren’t reflected on school or university diplomas: microcredentials. These are agile and efficient forms of recognising specific skills. It’s only a matter of time before they are widely adopted in Poland to certify, among other things, soft skills, especially since both job seekers and employers require them. 

All the more so, given that in other countries, like Australia, and on international platforms such as Coursera, critical thinking courses are already successfully running, awarding microcredentials upon completion.

Sources:

1. E. Nęcka, J. Orzechowski, B. Szymura, Sz. Wichary, Cognitive Psychology (Psychologia poznawcza), New Edition, Warsaw, 2020.
2. T. Grzyb, Critical Thinking – How to Learn It (Myślenie krytyczne – jak się go nauczyć), https://strefawiedzy.swps.pl/artykuly/myslenie-krytyczne-jak-sie-go-nauczyc
3. Aleksandra Kubala-Kulpińska, The Skill of Critical Thinking (Umiejętność krytycznego myślenia), https://www.glospedagogiczny.pl/artykul/umiejetnosc-krytycznego-myslenia
4. Future of Jobs Report, World Economic Forum, 2025, https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf
5. https://microcredentials.pl/en/soft-skills-are-the-future-but-how-to-validate-them/