Which approach is encouraged for teaching critical thinking in social studies?

Inquiry-based learning approaches are encouraged for teaching critical thinking in social studies because they actively engage students in the learning process by encouraging them to ask questions, investigate, and draw conclusions based on evidence. This method promotes higher-order thinking skills as students explore complex issues, analyze sources, and evaluate different perspectives. By utilizing inquiry-based learning, educators can foster a classroom environment that values curiosity and critical engagement with content, enabling students to develop their analytical skills and understand historical and contemporary social issues more deeply.

Other approaches, such as memorizing historical dates or predicting outcomes without evidence, do not promote the development of critical thinking skills. Memorization often leads to surface-level knowledge, while predictions lacking evidence can result in misunderstanding the importance of substantiating claims. Relying solely on teacher demonstrations does not encourage student participation or independent thought, limiting opportunities for developing critical thinking abilities.