Teaching Critical Thinking in Science: Perceptions and Practices of Primary School Teachers in Victoria, Australia

Critical thinking is a key 21st-century skill that is recognised as a general capability in the Australian and Victorian curricula for all school year levels. This study explored in-service primary school teachers' perceptions and practices related to teaching critical thinking in science. The study found that teaching critical thinking was important to primary school teachers and that teachers showed considerable variation in the ways they taught critical thinking in science. The findings of this study are relevant to primary school teachers, teacher educators and curriculum authorities towards further reforms of critical thinking in science education.