Does Higher Education Teach Students to Think Critically?

There is a growing gap between the qualifications that a university degree certifies and the skills employers are seeing, including critical thinking, problem solving, and written communication. A six-year international study found that proficiency in these skills is predictive of positive academic and career outcomes. Yet, these higher-order skills are rarely explicitly taught or measured by academic institutions.

To help higher education institutions assess and teach the critical skills students need in their jobs and careers, The Council for Aid to Education (CAE) developed the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+). The assessment was utilized in six countries between 2016 and 2021. A new OECD report, Does Higher Education Teach Students to Think Critically?, examines key research findings.

Hear an Overview of the Study Findings from the Researchers

Interested in Learning More About How CLA+ can Support Your Institution in Preparing Graduates for Future Success?

Explore the insightful data CLA+ provides then fill out the form to schedule a time to chat. We’ll walk you through a sample assessment, share how other universities are using CLA+ and our critical thinking skills curriculum, and answer any questions you may have.

Want to learn more about measuring your students’ critical thinking skills?

Fill out the form to request a consultation about CAE’s Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+)