ICIPEMR 2025_Innovative Teaching Strategies for Fostering Critical Thinking in Science Education

In the realm of contemporary education, fostering critical thinking skills in science is paramount to preparing students for future challenges. Traditional methods of science education, focused heavily on cramming, often fall short in promoting essential skills, emphasizing the need for innovative teaching strategies. This paper examines such strategies in science education to cultivate critical thinking among learners. The paper begins by elucidating the conceptual framework of critical thinking within the context of science education, emphasizing its significance and examining innovative teaching strategies. Key innovative strategies such as inquiry-based, problem-based, cooperative, and collaborative learning are explored, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing critical thinking skills among students. Furthermore, the paper discusses the integration of innovative teaching strategies as facilitators to strengthen engagement and deeper conceptual understanding in science education. The study adopts a review-oriented and analytical approach, drawing on secondary data from scholarly articles, books, journals, and credible online sources. The study concludes with recommendations for educators to enhance science education through the integration of innovative pedagogical strategies.