What subject should be taught at school?

In today’s fast-changing world, the old way of teaching, which mainly focuses on memorization, just doesn’t cut it anymore. As things evolve, students need more than just facts—they need to think critically and know how to apply what they learn in real situations. The most important things students should learn in school are critical thinking and practical skills, because these are what will help them succeed, both in their studies and in their future careers. This essay will explore why these skills are so important in preparing students to face real-world challenges and succeed in a world that’s always changing.

Critical thinking is crucial for students to succeed beyond school. It helps them question information, think carefully before making decisions, and solve problems more effectively. Instead of just memorizing facts, it teaches students how to apply their knowledge in real situations. As Dwyer Christopher P. notes in the National Library of Medicine, "Critical thinking (CT) is a metacognitive process—consisting of a number of skills and dispositions—that, through purposeful, self-regulatory reflective judgment, increases the chances of producing a logical solution to a problem or a valid conclusion to an argument." This highlights that critical thinking requires awareness of our thinking and deliberate decision-making. It's a skill that doesn’t come naturally but must be developed over time with practice. Students need to take the time to pause, reflect, and reconsider their initial ideas rather than rushing to conclusions. Building these habits early on prepares them to tackle challenges in both academics and life. In healthcare, for instance, an article by Nuampa Sasitara et al. in BMC Nursing explains how patient simulators improve nursing students' critical thinking by helping them implement theory in clinical practice. This example shows how realistic settings push students to think more deeply and adapt their knowledge to real-time situations. Instead of relying solely on memorization, students must evaluate multiple factors, adjust quickly, and think critically—just as they would in real-life scenarios. By reflecting on their successes and mistakes, students develop flexible, practical thinking skills they can carry beyond the classroom.

In addition to critical thinking, practical skills are crucial. Employers today expect students to be work-ready upon graduation. An article by Borkala, L.K. Monu in CollegeMarkers notes that “it is like a training ground for the real industry. In such a competitive world, industries are now looking for well-experienced and skilled staff. The more students acquaint themselves with practical learning, the better the chances of being industry-ready.” This emphasizes the increasing need for real-world experience. Practical learning gives students an advantage by teaching them how workplaces actually function. It goes beyond theory, offering real tasks that build confidence, sharpen skills, and teach adaptability in unpredictable situations. Furthermore, as Gregersen A.G. et al. state in the National Library of Medicine, “performing practical skills on actual patients is assumed to be more efficient to reach an in-depth understanding than what students achieve through simulation or training in skill centers.” Working with real patients gives healthcare students practical experience. Unlike simulations, real patient interaction challenges students to think quickly and adjust to unexpected situations. These hands-on experiences are essential for developing the skills necessary to make informed decisions under pressure. In healthcare, each patient’s needs are unique, making real-world experience vital for students to adapt to diverse challenges.

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