School children 'can be taught to think critically'
Schools could be helping to teach their pupils how to think critically and question the validity of potentially false or misleading statements, according to new research.
The study, led by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, highlighted the benefits of a programme designed to teach 10 to 12 year-old pupils how to critically assess health effect claims and make educated decisions about their likely credibility.
More than 10,000 children attending 120 schools in the developing African nation of Uganda were enrolled in this research, with 13 hours spent on the teaching programme over a three-month period.
It was shown that nearly 50 per cent more children passed a test where they were asked to assess treatment claims following the intervention, an improvement that was seen as significant, particularly given that many of these schools had few teachers and limited resources.
While the time spent on the programme necessarily came at the expense of other school activities, no other negative consequences were associated with the critical thinking scheme. Although this research was carried out in a developing nation, the researchers believe it could also be used in developed countries, with a pilot test at a school in Norway resulting in staff choosing to continue using the programme after the testing ended.
Atle Fretheim, head of the Centre for Informed Health Choices at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, said: "In a time of rapidly spreading fake news, it is more important than ever that people are able to distinguish the truth from 'alternative facts'.
"In addition, we need to be able to assess what is a sensible interpretation of facts, particularly when facts are used to argue for or against implementing measures. This applies to claims about what causes better or worse health."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Education Tutors – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Kettering and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary and flexible assignments, with opportunities for longer-term and permanent roles Wor
Reference
A125/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Northampton Road, Kettering Job Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Northampton Road, Kettering Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract:
Reference
TA - OLICAT3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Peterborough
Description
1:1 Tutors Required – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Peterborough and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible temporary assignments, with potential for long-term and permanent opportunities Wor
Reference
A124/Peterborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bedford
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Polhill Avenue, BedfordJob Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Polhill Avenue, Bedford Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract: Temporary
Reference
TA - OLICAT2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Brackley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutors Wanted – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Brackley and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible temporary placements, with opportunities for long-term and permanent work Working Hours:
Reference
A123/Brackley
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northampton
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Grange Road, NorthamptonJob Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Grange Road, Northampton Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract: Tempora
Reference
TA - OLICAT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£160 - 225 per day
Location free text
Wolverhampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Wolverhampton
Description
Supply Teacher – Mainstream Primary SchoolLocation: WolverhamptonWorking Hours: Flexible (8:30am-3:30pm)Salary: Competitive, dependent on experienceAre you a qualified primary teacher looking for flex
Reference
SupplyteacherWV
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham PrimaryAuthor
Birmingham PrimarySalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Education Tutors – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Wellingborough and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, flexible placements with opportunities for long-term and permanent roles Worki
Reference
A122/Wellingborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£150 - 330 per day
Location free text
Bracknell
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Bracknell
Description
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - Bracknell Location: Bracknell, Berkshire Position: SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Contract: Full-Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP / Ja
Reference
SENDCO
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£93 - 100 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Plymouth
Description
Learning Support Assistant Location: Plymouth & Surrounding Areas Pay: £90 - £100 per day (depending on experience) Job Type: Full-time, Part-time & Flexible Supply Opportunities Start Date: Immedi
Reference
LSA PRI
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job