We recently ran a critical thinking session for students aged 14 to 17, alongside other organisations taking part in the event.
Students were asked whether today's youth are less capable than previous generations. They had to look at both sides of the argument, question the assumptions behind each, and look for evidence before reaching a balanced conclusion.
Working in groups, they analysed the case, built their arguments and presented their conclusions to the room. Along the way they practised spotting weak reasoning such as attacking the person instead of the argument, false either/or choices and cherry-picked evidence.
Information is everywhere, and it is hard to tell fact from assumption. Young people need to question what they read and hear, disagree respectfully, and change their minds when the evidence says they should.
Thanks to Asghar Ali, who led the session.
Tell us about your group and we will plan a session around it.