Critical Inquiry
I grew up in the '90s watching The Magic School Bus, where Ms. Frizzle would always say, "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" That was her way of showing us that learning isn’t always about having the right answers right away, it’s about taking risks, exploring, and discovering along the way. Those words stuck with me because they perfectly capture how I believe learning should be: messy, full of mistakes, but always with the chance for growth. It’s in those moments of experimentation and failure that we learn the most, and that’s where critical thinking comes in. It’s through those messy moments that students learn to reflect, analyze, and make connections that help them grow both academically and as individuals.
Critical thinking isn't just an academic skill, it’s a key part of how we engage with the world. If we want students to become active, thoughtful participants in society, they need to learn how to question, analyze, and evaluate information. In a democracy, this is particularly important because democracy thrives when citizens are informed, engaged, and thoughtful about the issues that affect them. Students can learn to analyze different viewpoints, reflect on social issues, and engage in respectful debate, skills that are vital for participating in the democratic process. By fostering critical thinking, we are encouraging students to become agents of change, who are capable of questioning systems, challenging injustices, and promoting fairness and equality. Additionally, critical thinking helps students develop moral and ethical reasoning, which is necessary for addressing the complex challenges we face in society. In a democratic system, we need citizens who can consider the ethical implications of policies and decisions and advocate for what is right. Teaching students to think critically nurtures these qualities and prepares them to take responsibility for improving the world around them.
We can give students the confidence to question assumptions and understand that being engaged in a democracy means being willing to challenge the status quo when necessary. Democracy is about more than just voting, it’s about lifelong participation and continuous reflection on how we can make our systems better. Critical thinking helps students understand this concept and become lifelong learners and engaged citizens who work to make democracy stronger. Not to mention critical thinking can make learning meaningful and fun. By connecting students to the ideas that shape their world and helping them become critical thinkers, we’re not just teaching them academic skills, we’re preparing them to be the kind of thoughtful, responsible citizens who make democracy work and push it forward for future generations. Just like Ms. Frizzle said, we have to be willing to "take chances, make mistakes, get messy," because that’s where true learning and growth happen.
There are several ways to critically think about issues happening in Oregon, and here are a few examples to help folks engage thoughtfully with the state's current events and challenges:
1. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
Oregon is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, but the state is also facing challenges related to climate change, such as wildfires, droughts, and the effects on agriculture.
2. Housing Crisis and Homelessness
Oregon, especially cities like Portland, is grappling with a housing crisis and rising rates of homelessness.
3. Healthcare Access and Equity
Oregon has expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, but challenges related to healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, remain.
4. Indigenous Rights and Land Acknowledgment
Oregon has a rich Native American history, and critical thinking about the rights and needs of Indigenous communities is essential.
5. Education and School Funding
Oregon has faced challenges with education funding, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Racial Justice and Equity
Issues of racial justice are an important part of Oregon's social landscape, and critical thinking about these issues is necessary for making progress toward equity.
7. Economic Inequality and Job Creation
Oregon has a diverse economy, but economic inequality persists.
By critically thinking about these and other issues in Oregon, students can learn to evaluate multiple perspectives, consider the ethical implications of decisions, and develop the skills needed to become engaged, informed citizens. This approach not only helps students understand the complexities of their state but also empowers them to actively participate in shaping a better future for all Oregonians.
