Critical thinking is an important requisite for the study of history. It always invokes our mind to think in a broad and extensive way that is out of the ordinary in our day to day thinking. Our world is very dynamic, and many aspects of the universe and humanity keep on changing from time to time. We need to answer the many questions that arise each and every day in a critical way and hence critical thinking is important in the study and evaluation of history.
In order for us to understand the many changes that keep on taking place around us, a wider thinking and explanation of events, ideas and occurrences in a broader scope is vital in studying of history. Because history involves studying works of other people and different events that took place in different time frames, we have to strive to understand and comprehend what they meant. In so doing, our critical thinking skills must come into play. Students’ critical thinking is also achieved when they study different historical themes (Milton, 1993). Critical thinking, in turn, helps us to solve complex historical arguments.
Critical thinking skills are also necessary for the study of history because when learners use multiple texts, it allows them to see the different outlook and viewpoints of historical problems and issues (Hynd, 1999). As times change, people also often shift their thinking to a more detailed, critical and more comprehensive questioning of the historical arguments that are put across.
References
Hynd, C. (1999). Teaching Students to Think Critically Using Multiple Texts in History. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. 42(6), 428-436.
Milton, H. (1993). Improving the Critical Thinking Skills of Ninth Grade World History Students by Integrating Critical Thinking Skills and Course Content. Ed. DPracticum, Nova University
