Which strategy is effective for teaching critical thinking skills?

Socratic questioning is highly effective for teaching critical thinking skills because it encourages students to engage in dialogue, analyze their own beliefs, and explore the reasoning behind their answers. This method involves a series of probing questions that challenge assumptions and promote deeper understanding. By guiding students to think critically about their responses and the implications of their thoughts, it fosters an environment of inquiry and reflection.

In contrast, dictation exercises primarily focus on written language skills rather than developing analytical thinking. Textbook memorization limits the opportunity for students to synthesize information and assess its validity, while standardized testing practices often emphasize rote learning and may not accurately measure a student's critical thinking abilities. Thus, Socratic questioning stands out as a method that richly nurtures critical thinking, making it the most suitable strategy among the options provided.