Research shows that critical thinking refers to the ability of students to think, analyze, evaluate and reason independently when facing problems. Problem-solving ability refers to the students' ability to use their existing knowledge and skills to find appropriate solutions. These competencies are essential for students to become creative and competent decision-makers. Middle school teaching methods have a positive impact on students' critical thinking and problem-solving ability. For example, the enlightening teaching method emphasizes guiding students to explore independently and cultivate their critical thinking ability. Through activities such as open questions, group cooperation and exploratory experiments, students can not only actively think about problems, but also put forward their own views and discuss and debate with others. This teaching method cultivates students' logical thinking, problem solving and innovation ability. Problem-centered teaching is another effective teaching method that promotes their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by placing students in the context of solving practical problems. This teaching method encourages students to proactively ask questions, collect information, and conduct in-depth research, to help students understand the complexity of the problem and pursue various solutions. In the process of exploring practical problems, students can not only develop their critical thinking skills, but also improve their collaboration and communication skills. The application of technology in middle school teaching also plays an important role in promoting students' critical thinking and problem-solving ability. For example, using e-teaching platforms can provide students with more resources and information to help them better understand the problem and propose solutions. At the same time, digital learning tools and network collaboration platforms also provide channels for students to communicate and cooperate, further cultivating their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the choice and use of the use of teaching methods, the role of teachers is crucial. Teachers should be mentors and guides for students to provide appropriate support and guidance for students.

Jing Qu. The influence of middle school teaching methods on students' critical thinking and problem-solving ability. International Journal of New Developments in Education (2023) Vol. 5, Issue 26: 48-53. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDE.2023.052609.

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