Critical and Creative Thinking

The "drill and kill" teaching style is not the most effective way for students to learn. In this this method, teachers pound as much information into students as possible so they will perform well on standardized tests. However, this method of teaching is not effective or beneficial to students. The disadvantage of drilling information into students is that they will only remember the information long enough to be tested on it, then they will forget it. I agree that education systems need to move away from this teaching method and towards more creative and critical thinking. Critical thinking allows students analyze concepts instead of just accepting them. This leads to a better understanding and retention of information (Hickerson, 2013). Using critical thinking helps students develop skills to analyze information and think like a scientist. Promoting creativity in schools also has many benefits to children. The "drill and kill" method can become exhausting to children and they will associate school with negative feelings. However, creative outlets in schools can give students a break from academics while they gain valuable skills. Creativity can teach children to consider different points of view or lead them to creative problem solving. Allowing children to have breaks will also encourage them to learn.

Hickerson, B. (2013). Critical and creative thinking: The joy of learning. Tempo Magazine, 34(2).