Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
As a high school English teacher, one of my most important roles is helping students develop critical thinking skills. Adolescence is a pivotal time when students begin to question the world around them, form their own opinions, and explore complex ideas. The BC teaching standards’ emphasis on understanding and applying knowledge of student growth and development is central to guiding this process in meaningful ways.
High school English is uniquely positioned to cultivate critical thinking. Whether students are analyzing Shakespeare, discussing contemporary novels, or dissecting persuasive essays, they are constantly asked to interpret, evaluate, and create. Understanding where students are in their developmental journey is crucial to designing lessons that challenge them without overwhelming them. For example, younger students may need more support in identifying themes or biases, while senior students often thrive in open-ended discussions that allow them to debate and defend their interpretations.
To nurture critical thinking, I strive to create an environment where curiosity and questioning are celebrated. Students come to class with diverse perspectives shaped by their backgrounds, experiences, and developmental stages. Encouraging them to engage with literature and with each other in thoughtful ways helps them build confidence in their reasoning. Asking “why” and “how” becomes second nature as they explore the motivations of characters, the implications of authors’ choices, or the relevance of a text to their own lives.
A key part of this process is connecting literature to the real world. Whether we’re examining propaganda techniques in Animal Farm or discussing civil disobedience through The Chrysalids, I encourage students to draw parallels to contemporary issues. This not only deepens their understanding of the text but also helps them develop the ability to think critically about the media, politics, and social structures they encounter daily.
Ultimately, fostering critical thinking in high school English is about empowering students. It’s about equipping them with the tools to analyze, question, and articulate their ideas thoughtfully and confidently. By understanding their developmental needs and creating opportunities for growth, we prepare them to navigate the complexities of the world with insight and integrity.
*Disclaimer this blog post had been completed with the support of AI*