Sharpening Your Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an important ability that enables students to better solve problems in the real world as well in the academic world. It is important for high school students develop critical thinking skills by playing board games and logical puzzles. Having critical thinking skills allows students to assess outcomes, compare ideas, synthesize information and draw conclusion from a given piece of knowledge. High school students should try these tools to develop their critical and analytical thinking skills necessary for succeeding in college tests, assignments and exams.

1. Improve Your Cognition Ability with Brain Games

Nowadays, websites that offer brain games have gained increased popularity. These websites provide games that improve memory, cognition and problem solving skills. It is important to train your brain in order to approach complex problems on standardized tests such as ACT and SAT.

2. Boarding Games for Strengthening your Memory

Games such as Rubik’s Cube, Checkers, Chess, Mastermind, Boggle, Scrabble are a few games that aid in honing your analytical skills and strengthen your ability to remember details and react to others’ moves and assume motives.

3. Hone Your Analytical Skills with Logical Puzzles

The puzzles are intended to exercise your brain. There are number of crossword puzzles, riddles, word searches and logic problems that can be found at bookstores or libraries. These logical puzzles can activate different parts of your brain, thus helping you to hone your critical and analytical thinking skills that every college student needs.

4. Maintain a Journal to Explore Your Ideas

Keeping a daily journal is a great way to explore ideas and encourage you to expand your thoughts. You can record important ideas, experiences and stories about your life.

5. Find a Book Club

Joining a book club is another good option to think critically. Read the book for understanding and delve deeper and you will be able to ponder complex questions. Analyzing a book will definitely help you hone your skills.

6. Sleep Properly

Getting a good sleep is important to improve your overall performance and the ability to concentrate. Getting around eight to ten hours sleep is essential for optimum performance.

7. Start Preparing for Test in Advance

Your mind can work its best if it is exposed to information repeatedly. Cramming does not work at the last moment, as your brain doesn’t have adequate time to consolidate.

8. Energize Your Brain

The brain needs energy, as it acts badly when it does not get fuel. Proteins, complex carbohydrates, eggs, fruits, cereals and juices are the best option to nourish your brain. Skipping breakfast will never help you out in performing at your best.

9. Exercise Daily

Do exercises that improve the functionality of your mind, as it increases blood flow, or reduces stress and anxiety level. Twenty minutes or so a day of activity will greatly improve your mind and heart function. Aerobic exercise can effectively boost your mental abilities while allowing you to complete your work swiftly and retain more of what you learn.

10. Study in Group

Take good notes and pay attention to your studies. Try to utilize your spare time in clearing the concepts that you did not pick up in the classroom. Complete your assignments and homework as they are assigned to you. Studying in groups will help you complete your assignments quickly and effectively, allowing you to free up time for yourself.