Primary School Critical Thinking

Approaches to Critical Thinking in Primary Education classrooms: A systematic review

Kirsti Marie Jegstad, Sissil Lea Heggernes, Evy Jøsok, Erik Ryen, Ingvill Krogstad Svanes, Hilde Tørnby

Systematic review of 105 primary-school studies. It found that critical dialogue, careful content choice, and subject-based thinking tasks support critical thinking. Teachers can use text, talk, digital, and hands-on activities with clear thinking goals.

Overcoming Cognitive Biases to Develop Students’ Critical Thinking Skills: An Experimental Study in Primary School

Florence Bremnes, Mireille Bétrancourt, Emmanuel Sander

Experimental primary-school study with fifth graders. A short bias-focused program improved students’ ability to spot causation errors, confirmation bias, weak authority, and source quality. Teachers can teach common thinking traps directly.

Fostering Critical Thinking across the Primary School’s Curriculum in the European Schools System

Loredana Lombardi, Frederick Jan Mednick, Free De Backer, Koen Lombaerts

Curriculum document analysis in European primary schools. Critical thinking appeared across subjects but needed clearer definitions and guidance. Teachers can map analysis, reasoning, openness, and questioning skills across lessons.

The Effects of Teaching Strategies on Learning to Think Critically in Primary and Secondary Schools: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Andrew D Oxman, Allen Nsangi, Laura Martínez García, Margaret Kaseje, Laura Samsó Jofra, Daniel Semakula, Heather Munthe-Kaas, Sarah E. Rosenbaum

Overview of 326 systematic reviews for primary and secondary schools. Evidence supported several teaching strategies, but certainty varied. Teachers can start with structured discussion, worked examples, feedback, and active practice while checking impact.

Cultivating Students’ Critical Thinking in K–12 Schools: A Scoping Review of Experimental Studies

Xiaofang Wang, James Pengelley, Laura B. Perry

Scoping review of 378 experimental K-12 studies across 51 countries. Most research was in science and Asia, with many tools used. Teachers can choose evidence-based interventions but should assess thinking growth carefully.