According to Crenshaw, Hale, and Harper, what is essential for students to develop higher order critical thinking skills?

Active engagement in learning is essential for students to develop higher-order critical thinking skills because it involves the process of actively interacting with content rather than passively receiving information. When students engage actively, they are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, analyze information, and apply what they have learned in various contexts. This form of learning fosters deeper understanding and retention of knowledge, enabling learners to make connections between concepts and develop the ability to solve complex problems.

In contrast, methods such as memorization of facts or listening to lectures often focus on rote learning, which limits the opportunity for exploration of ideas and critical analysis. While completion of homework assignments can support learning, it does not necessarily equate to active engagement unless the assignments require students to think critically and engage with the material on a deeper level. Therefore, fostering an environment where students can actively participate, discuss, collaborate, and reflect is crucial for the development of higher-order thinking skills.