Developing Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Through Problem-Solving Strategies: A Literature-Based Review

Abstract

Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making are increasingly recognized as essential competencies in contemporary education. These skills enable learners not only to acquire knowledge but also to analyse information, evaluate evidence, generate possible solutions, make reasoned judgments, and apply knowledge to complex situations. This literature-based review examines the relationship between critical thinking and decision-making and explores how problem-solving strategies can contribute to their development. The literature indicates that problem-solving-oriented approaches, particularly problem-based learning, collaborative problem solving, inquiry-based learning, and metacognitive strategies, can provide learners with opportunities to engage in analysis, evaluation, reasoning, reflection, and judgment. Research also suggests that metacognitive processes such as planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's own thinking are particularly important because they help learners become aware of how they approach problems and why they select particular solutions. Effective implementation requires appropriately challenging problems, explicit instruction, teacher scaffolding, opportunities for discussion and reflection, and assessment practices that emphasize reasoning rather than only correct answers. The review concludes that problem solving can serve as an important pedagogical pathway for integrating critical thinking and decision making into teaching and learning.