Why critical thinking matters more than ever

From AI to injustice, we need to teach children to think critically - not just conform.

Author

Jess Meredith
August 05, 2025

A few weeks ago I spoke at the Festival of Education. It was a brilliant event - full of energy, ideas, and great conversations about how education needs to change.

One session in particular, or more specifically one quote, has stayed with me. It was in a session I went to on AI in education, and the speaker said:
“The most important skill to teach children right now is critical thinking.”

And they are absolutely right.

Today I’m talking about:

  • Info: Why critical thinking is essential, and overlooked

  • Tips: How to teach children about neurodiversity, and encourage them to challenge the current ways of thinking about ‘what is normal’

  • Recommendations: Free videos and a TEDx

Image description: Photo of Jess speaking at the Festival of Education. She is standing in front of a slide that shows a number of the floor with 2 animated characters looking down at it from different sides. To one person it looks like a 6, and to the other it looks like a 9. At the top is says “Who’s right?” The photograph also shows some people in the audience. Some are having to sit on the floor and others (out of view) are in the corridor listening in because we ran out of seats. Maybe next time Jess will be given a bigger room! 😉 

Info: Why critical thinking is essential, and overlooked.

We’re living through complex, overwhelming times. We’re watching history unfold - including horrific violence, injustice and a genocide - live through our screens. Over the last years I have asked myself frequently ‘how did we get here?’, and ‘how is this possible?’ And whilst there’s certainly no simple answer to these questions, they are ones we have to face into.

Algorithms shape what we see, and bias seeps into the narratives we’re fed. It’s becoming worryingly easier to influence people, and incredibly difficult as an individual to separate fact from perspective or fiction.

It’s therefore never been more important to question. To pause before we repost. To teach children how to seek context, challenge assumptions, and sit with nuance - not just accept the first answer they’re given.

And yet, our education system isn’t built for that. Nor are many workplaces.
From early years to adult life, we’re rewarded for compliance and conformity. For neat answers, matching views, and doing things “the right way”.

But when we train people to conform instead of think, we weaken our ability to navigate the world, and we risk losing voices that see things differently.

Tips: How to teach children (and adults!) about neurodiversity.

To give you a flavour of what I talked about at the Festival of Education, here are some simple, powerful ways to help children develop an understanding of neurodiversity.

And I’ve also used these exercises with adults too!

  • Use optical illusions to show we don’t all see the same thing, even when we’re looking at it together. It’s not about right or wrong, just different perspectives.

  • Play “fair vs equal”. Ask children to split objects between themselves equally, and then fairly. See how the outcome changes, and discuss why.

  • Invite children to describe how they work best. Writing, drawing, or talking - whatever works for them. And role model by explaining what works for you too.

  • Explore sensory needs. Bring in noise-cancelling headphones, textured items, or weighted blankets and discuss what might help different people. Or show pictures of these things if easier.

  • Encourage perspective-taking. What could you do to support a friend who gets overwhelmed in noisy environments? Or who finds eye contact uncomfortable?

These aren’t just exercises, they’re mindset shifts in action. And they encourage incredible reflection.

Recommendations:

💭 Final thought:

Teaching critical thinking isn’t just about spotting fake news or writing better essays. It’s about helping children see the world, and themselves, more clearly.

And that’s where real inclusion begins.

Speak soon,
Jess

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

PPS Here's what someone said about a recent workshop I ran…

 "The impact of Jess’ presentation was clear from the audience’s response. Many attendees opened up about their own Neurodiversity experiences or those of their colleagues, demonstrating that the session had created a safe space for meaningful discussion. This openness was a testament to the effectiveness of Jess’ approach and the trust she inspired.”