Impact of Teachers’ Critical Thinking Skills on Students’ Academic Performance: Basis for an Upskilling Program

This study investigates the impact of physical education (PE) instructors’ critical thinking skills on students’ learning in a business college in Wuhan, China. The research examined critical thinking across three dimensions: evaluating information, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Utilizing a descriptive design, data were collected through a validated questionnaire distributed to student respondents. The findings revealed that PE instructors demonstrate a high level of critical thinking. Key indicators, such as identifying new information, and applying PE skills to solve real-world problems, highlighted the instructors’ capabilities. However, challenges were noted in distinguishing factual information from inferences and exploring alternative data interpretations. The study emphasizes the need for targeted upskilling program to further enhance the PE instructors’ critical thinking skills, fostering improved educational outcomes and aligning with contemporary pedagogical demands. The results contribute to the broader discourse on integrating critical thinking into educational practices in China.