THE ROLE OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IN ENHANCING STUDENT CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Abstract

Collaborative learning has emerged as a pivotal pedagogical approach that fosters critical thinking skills among students. This study explores the impact of collaborative learning strategies on enhancing students' abilities to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information effectively. By engaging in group discussions, peer assessments, and collective problem-solving activities, students are encouraged to articulate their thoughts, challenge each other's viewpoints, and arrive at informed conclusions. The findings reveal that collaborative learning not only improves critical thinking but also promotes a deeper understanding of content and a greater sense of community within the classroom. This research underscores the importance of incorporating collaborative learning methods into educational practices to cultivate critical thinking competencies essential for students' academic and professional success.