As much as a student should always think critically when studying, certain subjects require more concentration than others. Such subjects include those in the science field. If a student does not apply critical thinking in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics, they are doomed to fail.
Unlike art subjects like Geography and Religious Education, science subjects are the foundation of school life. That could explain why in the real world, every important field propelling human life is revolving around sciences and mathematics. Hence the need for critical thinking.
I can guess what could be going through in your mind: What is critical thinking all about? What does it encompass and how does it help students in biology and other sciences? Well, just relax. In this article, we will take you through all you need to know which will eventually melt your doubts away. So let’s dive in.
Contents
What is Critical Thinking?
We can simply say that critical thinking is the ability of someone to think in a rational and well-organized manner with a perspective of understanding a certain concept. It is critical thinking that helps you to separate from normal ideas, fiction, and facts. It enables you to understand what you believe in.
It enables you to identify, analyze, and fix any flaw in our way of thinking. I know you may have heard that critical thinkers are not many and of course, that is right. Why? This is because this is an art that takes time and practice.
In a science class, every student is expected to develop their critical thinking skills even if they don’t want to become critical thinkers. But did you know there is no way you can become a good biology student without thinking critically? The two are inseparable.
Before I take you through some of the benefits of critical thinking in a biology class, what are some of the steps to critical thinking that you can start implementing today as a biology student? Let’s take a glance at that.
Simple Steps to Critical Thinking
- Come up with the problem – critical thinking usually springs from an identified problem. Have a question that you want to narrow down and concentrate on it until you get the answers. That’s what science subjects are all about.
- Research – this step can be down in various ways including collecting views from other people to know their way of thinking. Get the opinions and arguments or great authors.
- Analyze your research – ensure the information you have gathered is reliable and from reliable sources.
- Identify any assumptions – ensure that you go through your answers to identify any favoritism and biases.
- Pick the important information – since you have a lot of information, it is time to get the best of the best. Get only the most relevant and significant information.
- Get to your conclusion – weigh all the decisions and ideas you have made and come up with the right conclusion.
- Present – your audience wants to hear what you have been doing for weeks and months. It is time to present your work.
As you can see from the above steps, critical thinking is a process. If a biology student wants to become a doctor, they need the above skills in coming up with a cure to accurately treat their patients.
Benefits of Critical Thinking to a Biology Student
It enhances their ability to solve problems
A biology student is prepared to be solving the health needs of society. Critical thinking in a biology class enables the student to develop such skills even before they step into the corporate field.
It develops independence
A biology profession is the one the society depends on. They are built to equip others and provide solutions. Critical thinking enables them to start being independent, a skill that will be needed in their career life.
It stirs curiosity
Curiosity is the mother of innovation and creativity. As a biology student becomes curious to know how a certain organ functions, they get deeper in their analytical and research skills. With that, they gain more understanding of the subject. When critical thinking is instilled in the life of a biology student, they automatically become lifelong learners who are explorative. That is required in science.
It enables creativity
Without creative thinking, there cannot be creativity. This is a skill that every student in our era needs to survive in it. It only takes a creative person to transform a system that has been in the same for decades, such are the creative thinkers. Since we want a transformed medical system, developing biology students who are creative thinkers is the preliminary step to a transformed future.
It enhances the level of responsibility
If our millennial biology students will not be taught how to be responsible, the health industry will be a collapsed entity in the next few decades. The only way to make them responsible is by making them critical thinkers.
You can tell that the importance of critical thinking among biology students cannot be overemphasized. It surpasses their classroom lectures and goes to the future of society and the country. It is a necessary life skill to develop.
Related Posts
