You do know that there is no universally accepted definition, right? And that critical thinking will look and sound different depending on the age of the children being taught.

It's a complicated thing to define. Is it answering and asking questions about a text you've read? Yes. Is it inquiring about the way things are in the world? Yes. Is it seeking knowledge to better yourself? Yes. Is it seeking knowledge and applying it astutely to solve a problem? Yes. Is it the practice of self-questioning to determine one's values and how to act accordingly in the world? Yes. Will philosophy help develop your critical thinking? Yes. Will science? Yes.

Is critical thinking a stance you take toward the world and your place in it? Yes. Is it debating with another on an issue worth considering? Yes. Is it skepticism when the facts are uncertain? Without a doubt.

There. That's what critical thinking is. Have I left anything out?