A classroom should be a place to foster curiosity to engage a student beyond textbooks and curriculum. Life-long learning will only happen if teachers are able to ignite the curiosity that will compel the student to find answers.

Gone are the days when a teacher was just a resource, a knowledge-provider. The role of a teacher has immensely changed due to the ever-evolving world. Spoon feeding is not enough, for students as well as the parents. They want life-long learning to happen and for that to happen you need to have sparked the interest of the students. Igniting the interest of the students is a great way to reel in the students.

Curiosity can be ignited through various classroom and non-classroom activities. This curiosity will further sharpen critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills.

As Albert Einstein famously said: “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

Why Do We Need Critical Thinking or Problem-solving Skills?

Critical thinking skills help the student in making decisions and guide him through the problem. According to research done by Oliver & Utermohlen, students are often passive receptors of information. There is information explosion right now and is likely to continue in the future. Students should develop critical thinking skills to make sound judgments, apply skills to their academic studies, to solve complex problems, and make choices, not just in the classroom but also in the real world.

Critical thinking can be developed by teachers and parents by encouraging children to ask questions. But, not just any question. They should ask good questions, questions that will help them move one step closer to solving an issue.

How to Foster Curiosity?

A child is a curious being. He wants to understand the surrounding and why and how of things. If we curb this curiosity, either at home or at school, the child will forget to question and will become just a receiver of knowledge.

The problem with being just a receiver of knowledge is that then you don’t learn the necessary skills to excel in life. Until and unless you don’t have the drive to ask questions or seek answers, you won’t be able to foresee problems or make critical decisions effectively.

Why it is important to be curious – Keys of curiosity.

You can foster curiosity in the following ways:

1. Create a conflict between what they know and the new piece of information. For example, start the topic by asking them what is the shape of the Earth. Also, inform them that it is not exactly round or sphere. This will create a conflict and a desire to know the shape of the Earth.
2. Let them explore the options before they come to a conclusion. For example, ask the child to find out the best way to reach Point A. Let them use technology such as Google Maps to find out at least two ways of reaching the destination. Exploring options encourages critical thinking.

Curiosity encourages students to take ownership of their own learning. This inculcates life-long learning, which is the true sense is the purpose of education.

Also Read: How To Bring In Positive Peer Pressure in Kids?

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