Importance of researching critical thinking and its development in higher education

Abstract

Develop and disseminate knowledge of high academic level is one of the aspirations set in the mission of the Technological University of El Salvador; and consistent with that purpose, wants to be an institution recognized for the quality of its education.
Mission and vision linked to the theme of education and knowledge respond to one of the reasons for being, commonly accepted, of this type of institution: to train critical professionals, in such a way that they can contribute to the growth and changes required the society.
In societies where ignorance and injustice are at full gallop, there is no doubt that forming critical persons becomes a pedagogical action of the first order.
This implies a constant revision and transformation of education. Very often one hears and reads that an education that encourages adaptation, memorization and repetition before the exercise of critical thinking, rather than forming, deforms and becomes harmful; above all, because it educates for consumption, imitation, passivity and complacency.
Now, if the majority of educational institutions try to train critical professionals, it remains to find out, establish or determine how this aspiration is materialized or carried out in the teaching-learning process, and if such institutions are clear about what you are doing. in calling "critical thinking".