New study shows teaching 'thinking skills' boosts children's social skills in an increasingly digital world
Nord Anglia Education conducted a study involving more than 12,000 students which found that helping young people reflect on how they learn is related to improvements in essential social, emotional, and thinking skills. These skills are increasingly important in an era of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology reliance.
The two-year research project spanned Nord Anglia's global network of schools and revealed that teaching children to reflect on their thinking and learning processes—through methods such as 'thinking routines'—improved critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration, while also enhancing social and emotional development.
According to the study, 70% of students reported stronger social skills, 76% felt more independent, and 85% achieved greater self-awareness of their strengths. Dr. Kate Erricker, Group Head of Education Research and Global Partnerships at Nord Anglia Education, emphasized the dual benefits of teaching reflection in learning, noting that it builds important social and emotional capabilities and equips young people with vital skills such as independent thinking and empathy.
The study examined the impact of explicitly teaching students to reflect on their learning and problem-solving approaches. Classroom strategies encouraged students to slow down, scrutinize their assumptions, consider different perspectives, and articulate their reasoning. Among the key results, students reported improvements in critical thinking (21%), curiosity (20%), and collaboration (15%).
The findings indicate that fostering an understanding of how students learn may be a significant way for schools to develop the human capabilities necessary for success in a rapidly changing environment. As technology evolves and permeates daily life, organizations like the World Economic Forum highlight skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity as increasingly essential for the future workforce.