October 27, 2025 | University of Eastern Finland
A peer-reviewed international study involving tens of thousands of higher education students in Finland and the United States finds that while starting points differ, critical thinking skills converge by graduation.
Proportionally, more Finnish students demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking when they enter higher education compared to their U.S. peers—but by the time they graduate, the gap has closed.
Still, there is significant room for improvement: nearly half of graduating students remain below proficiency. As Professor Heidi Hyytinen notes, “Critical thinking skills should be addressed already at earlier stages of education, and the development of these skills should be systematically supported throughout higher education.”
Read the full article to learn how data-driven assessment helps colleges and universities better measure and strengthen students’ critical thinking skills.
Strengthen Students’ Critical Thinking from Entry to Graduation
Take the next step in helping your students build the critical thinking skills that drive academic and career success. CAE’s Critical Thinking Skills Program provides research-based assessments, instructional materials, and professional learning to help faculty teach and measure these essential skills across disciplines.
Together, we can ensure students not only gain knowledge—but also the ability to analyze, question, and problem solve with confidence throughout their higher education journey.
