Beyond Rote Learning: Empower Students to Think and Solve

Before my 2nd job as an Additional Land Acquisition Officer in the Ministry of Land, I was a lecturer of a private college in my locality.

It was my first job. I taught economics and sociology in that college. As far as my memory, I taught them beyond of their syllabus of study also.

That is, teaching about critical thinking, problem-solving, general knowledge, debating, questions and answers from common sense etc.

One day, a student asked me in sociology class,‘Sir, I have no money, I am a poor boy but how I can help other people or social work?’This was a critical question and its answer was not given in the books designed in their curricula and syllabus.

But I answered his questions with my common sense. I answered that ‘No problem, you have no money but you have a desire to help others.

For example, when a farmer can’t lift his basket of grass on his head at the time of return from the field, help him to lift the basket of grass on his head if the farmer requests.

Again, when a blind man on the way lost his way to his destination, help him to find the way. It does not have any money. It will be a social welfare work for you’.

The student was satisfied with my answer. Similarly, education is not merely the process of educating syllabus wise study by the teachers to students.

Its real purpose is to prepare students to understand the world, make sound decisions and face challenges confidently.

In the modern world, where technology, artificial intelligence and information are developing rapidly, memorizing textbooks is no longer sufficient.

Students need to learn how to think, how to analyze and how to solve problems.

Therefore, teachers have a crucial responsibility to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students with their regular education.

What is critical thinking? By definition we can say thatCritical thinking means the ability to examine information carefully, question assumptions, analyze evidence and reach a logical conclusion.

A critically thinking student does not simply accept everything he or she hears or reads.

Instead, the student asks: Is this information correct? What is the evidence? Are there alternative explanations? This habit is particularly important in the digital age, when students are exposed to enormous amounts of information through social media, websites and artificial intelligence.

Without critical thinking, they can easily become victims of misinformation, rumors and manipulation.

Again what is Problem-solving? Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, understand its causes, consider possible solutions and select the most appropriate course of action.

Life is full of problems-personal, social, economic, environmental and professional.

Students who develop problem-solving skills at an early age are more likely to become confident and responsible adults.

They learn that a difficult situation is not necessarily a reason for surrender; it can be an opportunity to think creatively and find a solution.

Teachers’ role in this respect: Teachers are the most important facilitators in developing these abilities.

Instead of simply giving students the correct answers, teachers should encourage them to discover answers themselves.

Classroom discussions, debates, case studies, group projects, research assignments and practical exercises can stimulate independent thinking.

For example, instead of asking students only to memorize the causes of unemployment, a teacher could ask them to identify the major causes of unemployment in Bangladesh and propose realistic solutions.

Such an exercise connects classroom knowledge with real-life problems.

Teachers should also create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. Sometimes students hesitate to express their opinions because they are afraid of giving a wrong answer.

A good teacher should explain that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Students should be encouraged to present different opinions and defend their arguments with evidence.

In this way, the classroom becomes a place for intellectual exploration rather than merely a place for memorizing lessons.

Examination system role: The examination system also has an important role.

If examinations primarily reward memorization, students naturally concentrate on memorizing textbooks.

Therefore, assessment should increasingly include analytical questions, practical problems, creative assignments and real-life situations.

Students should be evaluated not only on what they know but also on how they use what they know.Technology can further strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving.

Digital tools, simulations, educational applications and artificial intelligence can provide students with opportunities to investigate complex issues.

However, technology should be used as a learning tool rather than as a substitute for thinking.

Students must learn to verify information generated by digital platforms and distinguish reliable evidence from misinformation.

Parents and educational institutions also have responsibilities. Students should be encouraged to read books, participate in discussions, engage in creative activities and observe problems in their communities.

Schools and universities should provide opportunities for research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

For Bangladesh, developing these skills is particularly important. The country needs a generation capable of addressing unemployment, poverty, climate change, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, technological transformation and economic challenges.

A student who can analyze a problem and develop a practical solution can become not only a successful professional but also a valuable contributor to national development.

Again, the teacher of the future must be more than an instructor; he or she must be a facilitator of thinking.

The objective of education should not be to fill students’ minds with information but to teach them how to use information intelligently.

Critical thinking helps students distinguish truth from falsehood, while problem-solving enables them to transform challenges into opportunities.

If teachers successfully develop these two abilities, students will be better prepared not only for examinations and careers but also for the complex realities of life.

Ultimately, education becomes meaningful when students learn not only what to think, but how to think.

Teachers are mentors, guide, man maker& advisers of the students and they can teach their students with practical knowledge along with their theoretical syllabus and can help to face the challenges of real life successfully.

(The writer: Columnist in the English Newspapers, can be reached at: E-mail:creativewritermuzibur@gmail.com)