Critical thinking is one of the main objectives of every educational system. By definition, critical thinking is any kind of directed thought that works with higher-order learning, or analytical learning, that assesses, corrects, replaces, and reconstructs things.

Critical thinking is a type of deliberate and logical thinking that is characterized by postponed judgment and constructive and healthy uncertainty. One of the most important components of living a successful life and a necessary skill for exercising one's freedom is critical thinking.

The capacity to think critically and solve complicated problems is more important than ever in the quickly changing world of today. It is our responsibility as educators to provide undergraduate students with the knowledge, abilities, and attitude needed to successfully negotiate the obstacles in their academic, professional, and personal life. To enable undergraduate students to become flexible thinkers and creative problem solvers, this article examines successful methods for imparting critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Active Learning Strategies: Involve students in debates, role-playing, problem-based learning, group discussions, and case studies—activities that foster active learning. By having students assess real-world events, these methods encourage critical thinking, perspective-taking, and cooperative problem-solving among students.
• Scaffolding: Dissect difficult issues into smaller, easier-to-manage parts using scaffolding. As students gain proficiency in critical thinking, begin with easier tasks and progressively raise the level of complexity. This methodical approach, referred to as scaffolding, gives pupils the confidence and proficiency they need to solve problems.
• Metacognitive Strategies: Teach students metacognitive skills, such as self-reflection and self-assessment. Motivate them to reflect on how they think, determine what tactics suit them best, and assess how they approach addressing problems. Metacognitive awareness enhances students' ability to monitor and regulate their thinking, leading to improved problem-solving outcomes.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: To promote interdisciplinary thinking, incorporate a variety of subjects and viewpoints into the curriculum. Students should be encouraged to make connections across many academic disciplines and use a variety of approaches to tackle challenging challenges. Being exposed to other viewpoints improves problem-solving creativity and adaptability.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL): PBL entails posing real-world issues to students and pushing them to find pertinent information, evaluate information, build theories, and come up with solutions. Students learn practical information that they may apply to their future employment and improve critical thinking abilities by working through real-world challenges.
• Critical Reading and Writing: The significance of critical reading and writing abilities should be emphasized. Instruct students in the areas of text analysis and evaluation, logical fallacies detection, and argument construction using sound reasoning. Writing tasks that demand that students present their ideas clearly and provide evidence for them encourage critical thinking and a greater level of comprehension.
• Feedback and Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences by giving them constructive criticism on their attempts at problem-solving. Students can better grasp their areas of strength and growth through feedback, and metacognitive development and deeper learning are facilitated by reflection.
• Experiential Learning Opportunities: Provide avenues for experiential learning, including research projects, internships, and community service programs. Through these practical experiences, students may apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, take on real-world difficulties, and improve their problem-solving abilities instantly.
• Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Establish a welcoming classroom where students are at ease sharing their thoughts and viewpoints. Encourage kids to think differently and to politely discuss ideas with others who have different experiences and perspectives. Being exposed to different viewpoints enhances the educational process and promotes creative ways of problem-solving.

By using these strategies, educators can help undergraduate students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling them to overcome difficult obstacles and achieve success in both their academic and professional activities.

References:

• https://www.redalyc.org/journal/279/27962177007/html/
• The Perception of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skill among Malaysian Undergraduate Students - ScienceDirect