Using critical thinking in the classroom requires the use of higher order thinking skills to not only plan and teach lessons, but also to reflect on instructional practice, always looking for ways to enhance self development as a teacher. By integrating and applying theories of teaching, learning, and development of children, teachers can ensure the curriculum they teach is developmentally appropriate.
Teaching meta-cognitive skills is critical to a child's development in the later grades. By using self-assessment through exit tickets each student is able to think about what the next steps of their learning should be.