The study examines how integrating systems thinking into critical thinking enhances students’ analytical and problem-solving skills through a unique curriculum design.
Using narrative frames, focus group interviews, and surveys, the research collected rich data from undergraduates at a university in Singapore. The framework was grounded in Paul and Elder’s critical thinking model, with systems thinking principles to enhance analysis.

Key findings show significant improvements in students’ analytical capabilities, with better identification and analysis of complex relationships. Students reported enhanced understanding of cause-and-effect relationships and feedback loops.

Three mechanisms were identified:
- Enhanced Analytical Framework: More sophisticated problem-solving approaches.
- Improved Contextual Understanding: Better recognition of broader contextual factors.
- Better Decision-Making Processes: Improved evaluation and informed decision-making through understanding interconnected systems.

The study’s methodology offers valuable insights for educators and curriculum designers. It showed significant improvements in students’ analytical skills and problem-solving strategies, suggesting that integrating systems thinking into critical thinking curricula enhances these capabilities.

The research has major implications for educational practices. Combining systems thinking with critical thinking leads to more effective analysis and better prepares students for professional environments where understanding interconnected systems is crucial.

The presentation will detail these findings, examining the interplay between systems and critical thinking, and discuss practical applications. The study underscores the value of combining different thinking frameworks to enhance educational outcomes, especially in preparing students for complex professional challenges.

The integrated approach significantly improves problem-solving abilities, supporting its further development in educational programs. Recommendations for curriculum design and teaching methods will emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving to achieve better learning outcomes.

Keywords: Critical Thinking, Systems Thinking, Mixed Methods.