Fostering Critical Thinking Skills in Textile Technology Students: Challenges, Strategies, and Case Studies

This study investigates the essential function of critical thinking in the instruction of textile technology, considering the increasing worldwide challenges of digitalization, sustainability, and industrial innovation. Traditional teaching techniques often hinder the development of higher-order cognitive abilities, restricting students’ capacity to address real-world challenges. This study emphasizes effective ways for fostering analytical thinking, such as problem-based learning, Socratic questioning, and capstone projects, by reviewing the research, instructional practices, and three case examples. Research demonstrates that integrating critical thinking into the curriculum cultivates students’ leadership abilities and equips them for job needs. The paper proposes a transformative educational model that prepares aspiring textile technologists with the essential skills necessary for problem-solving and decision-making. It addresses issues related to assessment reforms, instructional gaps, and motivational barriers.