What technique can enhance critical thinking skills in children?

Asking open-ended questions is an effective technique for enhancing critical thinking skills in children because it encourages them to think deeply and articulate their thoughts. This approach prompts children to explore concepts, share their opinions, and develop reasoning abilities instead of just recalling information. Open-ended questions invite multiple responses and foster discussion, allowing children to analyze information, make connections, and engage in problem-solving.

By contrasting this with the other options, it becomes clear why they are not as effective. Memorizing facts often leads to surface-level understanding without fostering the ability to think critically about those facts. Providing yes/no answers may limit children's expression and does not encourage them to elaborate or think independently. Promoting rote learning can produce quick recall of information but does not contribute to a child's ability to critically assess situations or form original ideas. Thus, the use of open-ended questions stands out as a powerful tool for developing crucial thinking skills.