Critical Thinking in Education

The subject of critical thinking in education has sparked some interesting discussion in class. One topic that I find captivating is the issue of student treatment by administrators and the idea that students have become discouraged in the classroom. As pointed out in discussion, students have a tendency to rebel against the expectations placed on them, and as a result, miss out on the opportunity to learn. Perhaps students feel that by not learning, they are "getting back" at the administrators, who simply want to pass the students along and be rid of them. In an essay posted on the Foundation for Critical Thinking website, the beliefs of Socrates are described, as well as his views on critical thinking. Socrates wanted to teach his students to question those in authority as they educate themselves. If students followed the advice of Socrates, they could change their predicaments and empower themselves with knowledge, rather than dismiss education. If students understood the power that can be gained with knowledge, would they maintain a higher value of education?