Critical Thinking and Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students

Abstract

Critical thinking predicts a person’s ability to consider from different points of view and to judge the causes of certain phenomena. It includes both logical thinking and the ability to ask questions. Developing critical thinking skills is an essential aspect of education as it is believed that it can lead to higher academic achievement. The purpose of this research study is to examine the relationship between critical thinking skills and academic achievement in science of secondary school students in Thoothukudi district. A sample of 150 secondary level students at Thoothukudi district was selected through random sampling technique to collect the data. Critical thinking was measured by using an adapted tool and students’ science scores in half yearly examination was taken as academic achievement. The findings of the study reveals that there is significant relationship between critical thinking and academic achievement of the secondary school students in Thoothukudi district. Hence it helps the  teachers in designing their classroom activities and modifications in teaching methodologies and thereby enhance the critical thinking of secondary school students.