The world is becoming increasingly competitive and the phrase, 'survival of the fittest' is becoming more and more relevant every day, only for 'fittest' here accounting for the vast spectrum of mental fitness and the ability to be creative, original and critical. But how does a child develop these strengths? What equips them with this 21st-century survival skills? The answer to this is Higher Order Skills.

Higher Order Thinking skills equip a child with the ability to connect various concepts and apply them to various real-life situations. They are considered as the basis of learning as they intrigue students into asking more questions that ultimately make them want to learn and know more. In short, Higher Order Thinking skills make students want to gain more knowledge, voluntarily and consciously, with interest.

Keeping this in mind, schools definitely play a huge role in developing these skills in students. Here is how DY Patil Dnyanshanti School encourages its students to think in higher order-

The understanding of everything begins with an understanding of oneself. Students at DYPDSS are encouraged to understand themselves first, their strengths, weaknesses and what are their interests. This way, our students have a clear picture of themselves, know where they need to improve and how they can become better versions of themselves.

When students ask questions, we rejoice because we know that we have got them thinking! Providing students with an environment where they can freely ask questions is the first step towards developing critical thinking and DYPDSS gives them just that- a conducive environment where everyone participates, are encouraged to ask questions and provided with or urged to find answers.

The ability to connect various concepts with each other is an important element of thinking in higher order as it improves understanding. At DYPDSS, for example, when students are taught about waste management systems, they are also taught about the environment. This way students learn to connect the dots and link things with a broader or smaller perspective, depending on the requirement.

Encouraging students to compare and state differences between things can help them understand basics better. For example, simple exercises like asking students to state the differences between believing and knowing can get them to think critically. Such exercises are regularly conducted at DYPDSS.

Students should have the ability to form their opinions, stand up for them and rework on them if they find themselves agreeing to a better argument. When they develop this skill, they develop in them the ability to critique and accept various perspectives, both of which will help them improve their higher order thinking capabilities.

The most important step of higher order thinking- applying it in real life situations. A student should learn, infer and apply the concepts he/she comes to know about in his/her life. For example, a student from DYPDSS will not only learn about the Pythagoras Theorem but will also learn how they can actually use it in construction and navigation, etc.

High Order Thinking Skills are necessary for every child to have these days. Enroll your child at DY Patil Dnyanshanti School and rest assured that your child will not only know things but will also understand them and their applications!