Think Hard! Critical Thinking1

Recently had the privilege of attending my life class on critical thinking. The two-day workshop covered an array of essential topics that left a profound impact on my teaching approach. Additionally, the experience of watching the thought-provoking film “Oppenheimer” added a new dimension to my understanding of critical thinking and its real-world implications. In this blog, I will share my insights from the two days session and the connections I made with the movie. The day 1 kicked off by emphasizing the undeniable importance of critical thinking in today’s world. We were reminded of our responsibility to equip students with the skills to analyse information objectively, question assumptions, and approach problems from various angles. On day post movie a thought-provoking decision unfolded during the balance between scientific research and ethical considerations. We must address the ethical dilemmas that may arise when scientific advancements clash with societal values. The discussion inspired us to  weigh the implications of their decisions beyond the scientific realm and consider the broader consequences of their actions. The movie screening of “Oppenheimer,” a captivating film that delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist often called the “father of the atomic bomb.” As I watched “Oppenheimer,” I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the movie’s themes and the topics we explored during the training. J. Robert Oppenheimer’s story exemplified the complexity of critical thinking and the ethical challenges scientists can face.

The movie “Oppenheimer”  reminder that knowledge without ethical considerations and critical thinking can lead to unintended and destructive outcomes. We have a crucial role in nurturing the next generation’s ability to think critically and consider the impact of their decisions on the world.

Overall, the session and the film provided a powerful combination of theory and real-world application, motivating me to approach my teaching with renewed passion and commitment to fostering critical thinking skills among my students. I am grateful for this enlightening experience, and I’m excited to integrate these insights into creating a positive ripple effect for years to come.