Asking and responding to questions is fundamental to developing knowledge through critical thinking. In fact, critical thinking can be thought about as the art of asking questions (Hobson, 2002). When we are thinking critically, we are not just thinking passively and accepting everything we see and hear. We are thinking actively. We are asking questions about what we see and hear, analysing the issues, considering different points of view, evaluating the supporting evidence and deciding our position. Read our Hints and Tips Sheet on promoting critical thinking. Also review ideas about asking Questions effectively.
Here are some suggested questions for promoting critical thinking:
Please note: These questions are a guide only. They need to be modified according to the year level of individual students, their experience in the particular context and familiarity with particular issues/topics etc.