Why critical thinking matters more than memorization

 Critical thinking is crucial for developing situational awareness and staying mindful. Memorisation is helpful when dealing with something that requires prerequisite knowledge. In schools, students are expected to reproduce answers word-for-word from textbooks. This disregards original thought, yet many times students lose marks for writing in their own words. Practical-knowledge should be promoted and encouraged to enhance critical thinking skills of a person. When relying on memorisation, the scope of a solution is limited and restricted to what has been learned already. However, when one applies a critical approach to find a solution, he or she may find a more accurate solution. Critical thinking skills display a strong cognitive flexibility, which can be very helpful during interviews or for jobs that require high order thinking skills. One can improve their thinking skills by solving puzzles and other games. Having good critical thinking skills is not just beneficial for students or for keeping our minds sharp but it’s also a good brain exercise, which sustains long-term mental agility and slows down the aging of it. Therefore it is true that critical thinking matters more than memorisation.