critical thinking apps for adults

Discover what your mind can do

Exercise memory, flexibility, and more with the world’s most popular brain training program..

No purchase necessary

You care about your brain. We do, too.

Train the skills that matter to you most.

Memory. Processing Speed. Problem Solving. Lumosity targets these cognitive skills and more.

Scientific rigor, made fun

Lumosity takes tasks from the lab and turns them into fun games. We interpret your scores to offer actionable feedback and rich insights into your cognition.

Daily exercise for your mind

Work out with a fresh set of games each day to keep you challenged. Detailed progress tracking helps maintain your brain training habit.

Brain training tailored to you

No matter your age or skill level, Lumosity knows that all brains are different, and our program adapts to your unique strengths and weaknesses.

Science. That feels like games.

Our scientists take tasks from the lab and adapt them into easy-to-learn brain games., 14 years, 100 million members.

4.7 rating on iOS App Store

"I am surprised and delighted by your games. I appreciate the variety and multiplicity of games and the feeling of personalization. The daily workouts are welcome, more fun than push ups, and they make my day go even better."

Mary , New Jersey

"I really like this app. Lots of great games and it comes with tutorials that help you understand the game. I love the Insights I receive every time I train. It's also nice that I get to choose what to play."

Rashmi , California

Researching the efficacy of Lumosity

What we did

Lumos Labs conducted a randomized study of Lumosity brain training and published the results in a peer-reviewed research journal.

In it, half of the 4,715 participants who completed the study trained five days per week, for fifteen minutes each day on Lumosity while the other half did online crossword puzzles as an active control.

What we found

After 10 weeks, Lumosity users improved more than the control group on our assessments of working memory, short term memory, processing speed, problem solving, fluid reasoning, and overall cognitive function.

These results are promising, but more research is needed to determine the connection between improved assessment scores and everyday tasks in participants' lives.

Next questions

Future research should address the risk of inadvertent experimenter bias and the risk of attrition bias in this study, as both the Lumosity and crossword groups had approximately 50% attrition rate. As with all scientific research, there is also a risk of publication bias.

Download Figment

Build a creative practice by experimenting with music, art, writing and more. download our newest app, figment, to jumpstart your creativity with new daily activities., introducing lumosity mind, lumosity mind includes mindfulness sessions on the topics of relaxation, focus, and sleep—designed by the experts at lumosity., start your free training program.

Top 10 learning apps for adults: Unlock lifelong learning

• April 25, 2023
• Reading time : 13 Mins

Executive Summary: As humans, we never stop learning. With the advent of learning apps, it has become easier than ever to expand our knowledge and skills. Learning apps for adults incorporate microlearning and spaced repetition. This can be an effective and efficient way to acquire new knowledge and skills. This also provides the flexibility and convenience to learn at one’s own pace. This blog explores the science of adult learning. It also looks at the benefits of using learning apps for adults. It provides guidance on how to choose the right learning app to fit individual learning styles and preferences. The blog also highlights the top 10 learning apps for adults. These apps cover a wide range of topics, from language learning to personal development. By utilizing these learning apps, adults can gain knowledge and skills conveniently and at their own pace. This results in significant personal and professional growth.

As an adult, John always felt like he was falling behind in his career because he lacked certain skills. However, with the rise of learning apps for adults, he finally found a solution. He began using apps that offered courses and tutorials on everything from coding to marketing to graphic design.

Before using the learning apps, John had been skeptical. How could an app teach him something he struggled to learn in a classroom? To his surprise, the apps were interactive and engaging, and he could learn at his own pace. Plus, he could access the courses anywhere, anytime.

As he progressed, John noticed an improvement in his work. His boss praised him for his newfound skills, and he was even promoted! John realized that the learning apps for adults had opened up a whole new world of opportunities for him. Now, he encourages all his friends to try them out.

People forget nearly 90% of what they have learnt within just 7 days , unless the concepts are reinforced. That’s why employees swamped with documents, presentations, and classroom sessions are not likely to learn much.

However, time constraints make it difficult to reinforce vast concepts.

What can you do instead? Arm your employees with one concept at a time. Studies show the human attention span is only 8.25 seconds, so keep your training concise.

RapL is your software for that.

Learning apps have significantly improved the way adults learn and enhance their skills. Learning apps make learning easier and more accessible than ever before. With just a few taps on their smartphones or tablets, adults can now unlock a wealth of knowledge. Through this, they can easily advance their careers.

Understanding the science behind adult learning is important. It can further enhance the effectiveness of the apps and benefit the individuals who use them. It can also help individuals better understand and support the learning processes of others. Let’s take a look at the principles and science behind adult learning.

Principles of adult learning

The principles of adult learning are grounded in decades of research. They reflect a deep understanding of how adults learn best. Understanding the science of adult learning can help individuals design effective learning experiences. This can improve their own learning outcomes.

One key aspect of adult learning is the importance of relevant and practical application. Adults want to know why they are learning something. They also want to know how it will benefit them in their personal and professional lives. Learning activities must be relevant and applicable to adult learners’ personal and professional lives. By incorporating real-life problem solving and critical thinking into the learning experience, adult learners can immediately see the relevance of what they are learning and how it can apply in their daily lives. (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg, 2017) .

Adults bring a certain amount of prior knowledge and experience to the learning process. ( M erriam and Bierema, 2014) emphasize the importance of recognizing and integrating this knowledge into their learning process. This requires a learner-centered approach. This approach values and builds upon the individual learner’s strengths, interests, and experiences. When learners see the relevance of the material to their own prior experience, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in the learning process. This results in more meaningful and lasting learning outcomes. Therefore, the learning experience must be designed in a way that actively engages learners. It must promote critical thinking and problem-solving. It must also provide opportunities for learners to reflect on and apply their learning to real-world situations.

In addition, adult learners are autonomous and self-directed. This means they want to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their own learning (Knowles, 1980) . Feedback and recognition for their progress and achievements can further motivate and sustain their learning efforts.

The implementation of mobile learning can transform pedagogy to better suit the needs of the current generation of learners. This leads to more advanced levels of learning. Mobile technology allows learners to access electronic repositories of content and collaborate with peers regardless of location. They can also create a cycle of learner-generated content that benefits other learners. (Ally & Prieto-Blázquez, 2014) .

What motivates adult learners?

Motivation plays a crucial role in adult learning. This is because it drives learners to actively engage in the learning process. When adult learners are motivated, they are more likely to persist in their studies, take risks, and apply what they have learned in practical settings. This leads to more significant learning outcomes. At least six factors serve as sources of motivation for adult learning:

• Social relationships: Building social connections is a fundamental human need. Adult learners may be motivated to learn in order to form new friendships or networks. Learning in a social setting can be a rewarding experience that fosters collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support.
• External expectations: Adults may feel compelled to learn in order to comply with the expectations of others, such as a boss or supervisor. Or, they may want to fulfill the requirements of a formal authority figure. Such external expectations can be a powerful motivator for adult learners.
• Social welfare: Many adults are motivated to learn in order to improve their ability to serve their community. They are driven by the desire to make a positive impact on society. This motivation can be especially strong for individuals passionate about social justice or community development.
• Personal advancement: Advancing in one’s career or profession is a common motivation for adult learners. Learning new skills or knowledge can help individuals stay competitive in the job market. It can even help them qualify for promotions and raises.
• Escape/Stimulation: For some adults, learning can provide a much-needed break from the monotony of daily life or work. Learning can be a fun and stimulating activity that provides a sense of excitement and adventure.
• Cognitive interest: Some adult learners are motivated simply by a love for learning. They may desire to explore new ideas and concepts. These learners may be curious about a variety of topics and motivated to satisfy their intellectual curiosity.

The four critical elements of learning

• Motivation: Motivation is the driving force that compels a person to engage in a particular behavior. It is an essential element of learning, because it creates the necessary enthusiasm and interest that leads to effective learning. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic, and is influenced by various factors such as personal interests, goals, rewards, and learning environment. RapL’s platform uses features like gamified learning and attractive reference materials to keep employees motivated and engaged in the training programs.
• Reinforcement: Reinforcement is the process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by providing a stimulus that follows the behavior. It is an essential element of learning, because it strengthens the connection between the behavior and the consequence. Reinforcement can be positive or negative, and it can be used to increase desirable behaviors or decrease undesirable ones. RapL’s platform uses AI-based spaced repetition to boost reinforcement. AI-based spaced repetition techniques can be used as a positive reinforcement tool to improve concept reinforcement. Spaced repetition is a method that involves repeating information at increasing intervals to improve long-term retention. By using an algorithm to determine when and how frequently to review material, RapL’s spaced repetition feature maximizes the efficiency of learning and promotes better recall over time.
• Retention: Retention is the ability to remember and recall information or skills learned over time. It is an essential element of learning, because it ensures that the information or skills are stored in long-term memory and can be accessed when needed. Retention is influenced by various factors such as repetition, practice, relevance, and emotional engagement. RapL leverages microlearning to boost knowledge retention. Microlearning involves breaking down complex topics into easily digestible pieces. RapL’s use of microlearning incorporates repetition, practice, relevance, and emotional engagement through short, focused bursts of information.
• Transference: Transference is the ability to apply knowledge, skills, or concepts learned in one context to another. It is a critical element of learning that ensures learners can transfer what they have learned to new and unfamiliar situations. Factors that influence transference include the similarity between the original and new contexts, the level of understanding of the underlying principles, and the amount of practice and feedback. Effective transference strategies include creating analogies, using case studies, and providing opportunities for practice in diverse contexts. RapL uses scenario-based MCQs in the quizzes. This ensures practical application of learned skills, which promotes transference. Testing their knowledge through practical scenarios helps learners apply knowledge in new situations.

Benefits of learning apps for adults

• Accessibility and flexibility: With learning apps for adults, learners can access educational content anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. Whether they are at home, work, or on-the-go, learning apps enable adults to fit education into their busy lives. Additionally, learning apps for adults allow learners to repeat lessons, take notes, and interact with the material. This makes it easier to absorb and retain knowledge. Learning apps for adults provide a convenient and flexible approach to lifelong learning.
• Personalization: Learning apps for adults offer learners a tailored experience based on their needs, interests, and learning styles. With personalized content, learners can focus on what they need to learn, and skip what they already know. This approach saves time and improves retention. Learning apps for adults offer personalized feedback and assessments. This enables learners to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. Personalization in learning apps for adults enhances the learning experience and makes it more effective for adults.
• Cost-effectiveness: Learning apps for adults are generally more affordable than traditional educational methods, such as attending in-person classes or hiring a personal tutor. With learning apps for adults, learners can access high-quality educational content without breaking the bank. Additionally, learning apps for adults eliminate the need for travel or transportation expenses associated with attending classes in person. Learning apps for adults offer a cost-effective way for adults to continue their education and improve their skills, regardless of their budget.
• Interactive and engaging: Learning apps for adults use gamification, multimedia, and interactive features to make learning more fun and engaging. This approach helps learners stay motivated and interested in the material. This leads to better retention and understanding. Additionally, learning apps for adults enable learners to interact with the material, ask questions, and receive instant feedback. This personalized approach to learning enhances the experience, and makes it more enjoyable for adults, leading to better results.

By understanding these benefits of learning apps for adults, learners can choose an app that meets their unique needs and preferences. This can help ensure they have the best possible learning experience. Ultimately, the right learning app can make a significant difference in an adult’s career and personal growth. Now, let’s understand how to choose the right learning app.

How to choose the right learning app

• Consider learning goals: Learning goals are an essential part of choosing the right learning app. It is crucial to identify the skills that need to be learned or improved, and the objectives that need to be achieved. By doing so, an appropriate app can be selected that aligns with those needs and provides relevant content. For example, if the goal is to improve coding skills, then an app that focuses on programming languages should be chosen. Selecting an app that meets specific learning goals can maximize the learning experience.
• Evaluate learning style: Understanding whether one is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner can help select an app that delivers content in a way that suits their learning style. For example, visual learners may prefer an app that incorporates images and videos, while auditory learners may prefer one that includes audio recordings. Evaluating learning style can help find an app that delivers content in a way that maximizes the learning experience.
• Assess budget and time commitment: It is essential to choose an app within the budget, and that does not require more time commitment. Some learning apps may require a subscription fee, while others may have a one-time purchase price. Additionally, it is important to consider the time available for learning. By assessing budget and time commitment, one can find an app that is affordable and feasible to use.
• Read reviews and compare features: Reviews from other users can provide valuable insight into the app’s best features. It is also important to compare the features of different apps to find the one that best meets specific learning goals. For instance, some apps may offer more interactive features, while others may focus on providing a more comprehensive curriculum. By reading reviews and comparing features, one can make an informed decision on the best learning app for their needs.

How to Choose the Right Learning App

Now, let’s explore the top 10 learning apps for adults.

Top 10 learning apps for adults

In conclusion, learning apps for adults have become the future of education and training. With innovative features and user-friendly interfaces, these apps are quickly becoming the go-to choice for companies and individuals looking to enhance their learning experiences. RapL is a leading provider of such learning apps, offering engaging and high-quality content to inspire learners to grow and improve. For more information on how RapL can help you, please contact us at [email protected] .

Download it now!

Dear reader, thanks for being with us all the way till the end. We suggest 2 things from here

1. Speak to us if you want a microlearning strategy deep-dive : Microlearning is extremely effective, if approached sensibly. Microlearning is the answer to today’s shortening attention spans and we know how to make learning successful via microlearning. Drop your context here and we shall partner with you for the rest.

2. Lap up more content : We have written some intense literature on how microlearning is the superglue between people and successful business operations. Access all of it here.

Mobile learning strategies – boosting workforce growth and productivity

The buzz and chatter around mobile learning strategies isn’t just another trend—it’s a game-changer. As leaders and managers, you’re responsible for…

Mobile microlearning – productivity powerhouse in your pocket

Executive Summary: In an era of constant change and disruption, continuous learning has become a strategic imperative for companies looking to thrive in the digital

Onboarding success – why do you need it? How can you measure it?

Organizations with a standard onboarding process experience 50% greater new hire productivity (Lucidchart). Ensuring onboarding success is crucial for achieving this…

Onboarding buddy – a catalyst for new hire integration and team performance

In modern workplaces, the process of onboarding new employees has evolved beyond the mere exchange of paperwork and introductions…

Get in touch

Terms & Policies

Copyright © 2024  RapL Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2024  Rapl Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Overview

We hope you found what you were looking for..

If you’re interested in learning about what RapL offers, you can reach out to us.  [email protected]

Request Submitted

Your request for account deletion has been submitted. We will process your request shortly. Thank you for using our service

ISO 27001:2013

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is a security management standard that specifies security management best practices and comprehensive security controls following the ISO/IEC 27002 best practice guidance. The basis of this certification is the development and implementation of a rigorous security program, which includes the development and implementation of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) which defines how RapL perpetually manages security in a holistic, comprehensive manner. This widely-recognized international security standard specifies that RapL do the following:

• We systematically evaluate our information security risks, taking into account the impact of threats and vulnerabilities.
• We design and implement a comprehensive suite of information security  controls and other forms of risk management to address customer and architecture security risks.
• We have an overarching management process to ensure that the information security controls meet our needs on an ongoing basis.

RapL has certification for compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2013. These certifications are performed by independent third-party auditors. Our compliance with these internationally-recognized standards and code of practice is evidence of our commitment to information security at every level of our organization, and that the RapL security program is in accordance with industry leading best practices.

SOC 2 compliance is a set of standards that organizations use to ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of their systems and data. SOC 2 compliance is often required by organizations that process or store sensitive data. RapL has compliance with SOC2 Type II report.

Thanks for your application

We appreciate your interest in RapL. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you shortly.

You'll hear from us soon

We’ll be in touch via email or a brief phone call. During the week, you’ll hear from us within 24 hours and if it’s a weekend, we’ll follow up on Monday morning.

If you have a question, please feel free to email at [email protected]

A unique tool for teaching critical thinking

Kialo Edu is a custom version of Kialo ( kialo.com ), the world’s largest argument mapping and debate site, specifically designed for classroom use. Its clear, visually compelling format makes it easy to follow the logical structure of a discussion and facilitates thoughtful collaboration. Kialo’s mission is to promote well-reasoned discussion online, and to that end, Kialo is free for educators to use.

Use Kialo to help students get to the core of the issues they’re discussing

To put their knowledge into action

To sharpen their critical reasoning skills

To demonstrate their understanding

To engage constructively with each other

Take your classroom discussions online, break down complex subjects for students, and shake it up with new types of assignments.

What can you use Kialo for?

Host classroom debates.

Create discussions for your students, where they can put their knowledge into practice, develop their own views on classroom content, and consolidate what they’ve learned. In a Kialo discussion, every student has a voice – there’s no talking over each other, and students have the space to explore arguments at their own pace. Kialo’s collaborative platform encourages students to work together to find the best way to express each idea.

• See Sample Classroom Debate Assignment
• See Demo Classroom Debate

Assess learning

Assign students to write a Kialo discussion instead of an essay – or use Kialo discussions to outline larger writing projects. Kialo’s argument-tree structure leads students to consider counter-arguments, develop a logical outline of their argument, and visualize how their ideas fit together.

• See Sample Essay Outlining Assignment
• See Demo Essay Outline

Share knowledge

Write a discussion for your students to explore, and set out content in a clear and easy format. Link to additional sources and reading, challenge students to add arguments or question concepts.

• See Sample Knowledge Sharing Assignment
• See Demo Knowledge Sharing Exercise

How does Kialo work?

Explore complex issues.

With Kialo, discussions and debates are clearly visualized as an interactive tree of pro and con arguments. At the top of every discussion is the thesis , which is supported or challenged by pro and con claims. Each one of these claims can in turn branch into subsequent claims that support or challenge them.

Start a discussion

All discussions are private and can only be seen by those you choose to share them with. To start a discussion with your students, simply write a brief description and a thesis (or theses). Share the discussion with your whole class, or divide students into smaller groups.

Collaborate with your students

Each claim has a comment section underneath that allows you to give students feedback, suggest improvements, and ask questions without cluttering the surface of the discussion. Similarly, students can easily collaborate with each other to improve their arguments, examples, and phrasing.

Create teams for your classes

You can set up teams for each of your classes to easily share and organize the content you want your students to see. All content on Kialo-Edu.com is private, accessible only to the people you share it with.

See some of the ways you can use Kialo in your classroom

These features are just a small fraction of what you can do with Kialo. Find the application that works best with your teaching style.

EduLearn2Change

Critical thinking apps for students.

rawpixel.com

Classroom technology, 10 critical thinking apps for students, last updated 25 november 2023/ by zineb djoub.

Developing students’ critical thinking has become a must in a world where smart decisions matter for people to thrive. However, sustaining critical minds may not be an attainable goal for many teachers, since it requires students’ engagement and commitment to learning. Indeed, students need relevant and interesting learning tasks that spark their curiosity in thinking and producing. Educational technologies can support teachers in creating more engaging and thought-provoking content for their students. There is a variety of critical thinking apps that encourage students to think through planning, making decisions and choices, collaborating, creating, expressing their voices, sharing them, discussing others’ ideas, and reflecting on their learning.

Here is a list of 10 Critical Thinking Apps that you can use with your students in class, no matter what subject you’re teaching.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

1. Book Creator

An engaging app with a variety of uses that gets students using critical thinking and organization skills. Students can brainstorm, plan, and write their own stories, communicating their ideas using multimedia elements.

They can also create their own projects, take pictures doing different activities, and record themselves. Besides, Book Creator can be used as a portfolio tool to collect students’ work and reflect on it. It’s available for both iPad and the web (including Chrome). To learn more, read about 50 ways to use Book Creator in your classroom.

2. Notability

A thought-provoking tool that supports students to combine handwriting and photos using a wide range of note-taking and sketching tools: Students can annotate PDFs, make shapes, highlight, move objects around, add audio, integrate photos and web clips, and more. This is only available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

3. Kidblog  

A free blogging platform intended primarily for kids to create their content with the help of their teacher. Teachers and students can create conversations on the web and students can also leave comments on other students’ pages. Teachers need to set up an account for their entire class to start using this platform.

4. Ideament

Students can easily draw a diagram (mind map, concept map, or flowchart), convert it to a text outline, and vice versa. They can also brainstorm new ideas, illustrate concepts, make lists and outlines, plan presentations, create organizational charts, and more.

5. Lucidchart

This helps students to create on their iPad or iPhone different diagrams such as charts, mind maps, wireframes, and much more.

6. Ayoa (previously iMindMap)

A cloud-based work management tool that combines Mind Mapping with Task Management features. So, students using this app not only use mind mapping but can also store their work, collaborate with their classmates, track their task progress, and share their work with others.

7. Adobe Spark

This free online and mobile graphic design app helps create compelling animated videos in minutes. Students can get more creative by telling stories and sharing ideas using text, images, and video.

8. Explain Everything

An interesting interactive screen casting whiteboard that students can use to create video tutorials and explanatory guides to share with others. No additional software is required. So, they can record their movements, annotations, and voice, and then make edits using the timeline.

9. Spreaker

Asking students to create their own podcasts and share them with their teachers and classmates can be fun, interesting, and mostly a thought-provoking process.

You can ask them to work in pairs or individually, select a topic, create their own content, record themselves directly from their mobile device, and share this on the Internet using this app (on a class blog or any social platform you are connecting with your students). Students can share their comments, learn from each, and discuss their podcasts in the classroom.

10. TeleStory

T his is a video creation tool that provides students with a scene, face-detecting costumes, cue cards, and special effects and lets them create their own themed TV shows. To create their story, there are themes that kids can choose from, then they select a scene and cue card.

After creating their story, they name it, save it in the app, and share it via ToonTube. This can stimulate their thinking as their choices and creativity are called upon.

What other apps would you suggest to develop students’ critical thinking? I’d love to learn from you.

Share this story

Previous posts.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

The best note-taking apps for ipad.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the practice of note-taking has progressed beyond the conventional use of pens and paper. With the power of the iPad, the tablet can be transformed into a highly versatile note-taking machine.

CLASSROOM  TECHNOLOGY

14 essential educational apps for teachers.

Educational apps can enhance teachers’ productivity, making their work much effective and easier. There are various apps which teachers can select to carry on their everyday tasks.

3 Critical Issues about Technology Integration

Based on research evidence, below are 3 critical issues related to the way teachers integrate educational technologies in the classrooms.

© [2024] · EduLearn2Change.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Type and press Enter to search

Why BrainGymmer?

Turning science into fun.

Together with neuroscientists, our team transforms science based exercises into fun and challenging games for the brain!

Training your brain without any effort

Ten minutes a day is all it takes to keep your brain in shape, just like sports strengthens your body!

Notice the effect in everyday life

Improve your day-to-day cognitive skills like facial recognition, concentration, math, short-term memory and much more!

Brain training games for all cognitive skills

Your brain has an enormous range of abilities, which can be divided in five major cognitive skills. Our brain games challenge you to exercise these skills

All brain games are based on trusted psychological tasks and tests. So use our free brain games to improve your memory, attention, thinking speed, perception and logical reasoning!

Watch our video

What others say about us

Nice probably the best free brain games that i've tried, i really noticed the difference since i started doing online brain training, i wanted to find games to improve concentration and found them in braingymmer, fair amount of brain games for adults that work on my phone as well, pretty good brain games for adults, 'i like the brain training exercises, it is becoming easier for me to remember names and places etc.', what people often ask us, what is brain training.

Brain training, is the usage of digital exercises, also called brain games. Those exercises are used to stimulate mental activities with the purpose of improving your cognitive abilities.

Do brain games really work?

Brain games are a very new science, and many researchers are still discovering the effects. While tens of millions of people world wide are using brain games, scientific results are still very much in the process of being discovered. Currently we support a variety of international universities in their studies.

Proud partners

You only have one brain, take good care of it.

• February 6, 2023

5 mind-blowing learning apps for adults

How to get to tulum.

[last updated February 2024]

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and it’s no surprise why. It’s a convenient way to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues, to access information, and to entertain ourselves. But there is also another advantage to our smartphones that we might not always consider: learning! Here are five learning apps for adults that are easy to use and yet mind-blowing.

Why using learning apps as adults?

With the right apps and tools, we can use our phones to boost our skills and knowledge. You can easily learn a language, take online classes, read or listen to books and articles, and watch educational videos. You can keep track of your goals and accomplishments, keep up with the latest industry trends, and deepen your understanding of a subject. All of these activities ultimately help us to:

• optimise our learning potential and stimulate our brain for neuroplasticity,
• become more well-rounded and knowledgeable individuals, and
• pursue our passions and develop meaningful skills.

In addition to the educational opportunities, our phones also give us the ability to stay organized. We can create to-do lists, track our progress, set reminders, save important notes, and organise team work (check out my five favourite apps for digital organisation here ). 

Ultimately, smartphones offer us a powerful tool to help us grow and develop our skills and knowledge. This promotes a growth mindset , the approach to life that helps people develop their abilities and talent.  With the right learning apps, we can use our phones to boost our potential instead of passively consuming content. This means using technology to support your goals, instead of letting technology use you to support corporate goals. 

My favourite learning apps for adults

Here are five learning apps for adults that you can use in your pursuit of knowledge:

Duolingo : Learn a new language from start to finish with gamified lessons. Earn points and progress through levels.  A timeless companion among internationals, accessible to all.

Blinkist : Summaries of 6,500+ bestselling nonfiction books & popular podcasts,  guides, and articles, covering a wide variety of subjects. Also on desktop.

Brilliant : Interactive lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Develop problem solving skills through games — effective and fun. Also on desktop.

Ahead : A self-improvement app to coach you through bite-sized pieces of information. Expand your emotional intelligence and boost your productivity.

Skillshare : An online learning community with videos for creative learners including: graphic design, music, photography, creative writing, marketing, and more!

Which airline is best?

My tools for growth.

Discover many articles like this one on my Growth Toolkit, a collection of resources to start or enhance your personal and professional growth journey whilst  keeping your wellness in check,  boosting confidence and critical thinking, as well as  continuously expanding your skills and knowledge.

Hi! I’m Sophie

I was born in Belgium, educated in Europe, and now exploring the world with the objective to better understand how we can make it a better place.

I currently work as a doctoral researcher (PhD candidate) in The Hague. I hold a Masters degree (MPhil) from the University of Oxford and have 7+ years of experience as a consultant in public diplomacy, strategic communication, and global peace and security.

I have surpassed physical trauma after a serious accident left me in a wheelchair for several months and psychological trauma growing up in a violent household. I learned to embrace challenges and keep a positive mindset rooted in life-long learning. There’s always a valuable lesson to take.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and practical tips.

Related Posts

Cultivating an “AI Mindset”: Interview with Tech Consultant Jens Meijen

I asked technology consultant Jens Meijen about AI training, risk management, and how to cultivate an “AI mindset”.

How to start meditation? My 5-Day Challenge

Start your meditation journey with this 5-day challenge! Find inner peace and self-awareness through key lessons and guided practices.

The Wisdom of Insecurity: Reflexions on the Age of Anxiety

Wanting to be constantly happy and secure is a self-contradiction, says Allan Watts in The Wisdom of Insecurity. Discover his philosophy!

• Global Society

Copyright ©2023 Sophie Pomme

The Top 7 Apps That Make You Smarter Every Day

Whether you want to hone your skills or gain knowledge on a new subject, these apps are here to help you get smarter.

Intelligence can be defined and measured in multiple ways. To an extent, it is subjective and mostly constant. However, you can improve skills like critical thinking, logic, and knowledge about various subjects. Several apps help stimulate and train the brain in these areas. By using these apps every day, you can acquire a certain degree of smartness.

Here, we'll look at some of the best apps that can help you with that.

1. Deepstash

If you've ever wanted to read the most informative content on the web or learn about new books, Deepstash is the way to go. It is a social platform where you can share excerpts from articles, books, or create content of your own. The content is divided into psychology, data science, finance, health and fitness, and several other categories.

Deepstash presents the most complex information in a highly condensed format. Select your preferred topics, and the app creates a personalized feed for you. You can then learn new information by quickly reading the summarized cards instead of the entire article or book. You can 'stash' it and create your personal knowledge library if you like a particular idea.

You can opt for the pro version for handpicked ideas, intuitive filters, and offline functionality. This app brings the best of web and literature to you instead of searching for them.

Download: Deepstash for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

2. Blinkist

Reading books take time and patience. And fitting a reading habit into busy schedules can be pretty challenging. Blinkist helps fill that gap by offering key learnings from any book in a short 15-minute session. The app creates 15-minute blinks of every non-fiction book. Unlike Deepstash, it only focuses on non-fiction books.

Blinkist takes audiobooks and e-books and combines them to create just minutes-long blinks. You can even cover some books in just eight minutes. In the explore section of the app, you can find books based on your interests. Either use the search bar or select your favorite categories. Blinkist also features theme-based collections. For example, a collection called 'This Is The Digital Age' has nine handpicked blinks that talk about technology and its future.

However, you need to upgrade to the premium version to access Collections. You can choose to either read your blinks or listen to them like a series of podcasts. The app has other useful features, such as the option to save blinks, add them to favorites, and use a highlighter.

Download: Blinkist for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

Elevate is an award-winning brain training application. It uses proven methods to help you get better at mental math, improve memory recall, vocabulary, and grammar. The app uses fun games and activities to improve your skills over time. The gamified approach of Elevate keeps you motivated to complete more activities.

Elevate uses a proprietary scale called the Elevate Proficiency Quotient (EPQ) for skill assessments. The training sessions gradually get harder with time. There are around 40 mini-games in the app. Therefore, the exercises will never get repetitive. According to Elevate's independent study , using the app can boost your academic performance by up to 69%.

You can take the seven-day free trial to test if Elevate is worth your time . The pro version unlocks all the mini-games, a comprehensive EPQ report, and several other features. So, if you're looking for a fun way to boost your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, this is a great option.

Download: Elevate for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

TED is a non-profit organization that presents highly informative ideas in the form of short talks. Thought leaders compress decades of experience and knowledge into powerful 18-minute talks. The topics covered range from science and technology to personal growth and global issues.

You can use the app to learn about a new idea every day. That can drastically help you increase the sphere of your knowledge. Apart from detailed talks, the app also features a dedicated podcasts section. Here, you will find podcasts that focus on specific topics. For example, TED has podcasts centered around health, design, business, climate, and other interesting subjects.

TED has a category selection system to personalize your feed. You begin by selecting the topics you're interested in, and the app populates your feed with relevant talks. You can also filter videos based on duration and around 100 languages.

Download: TED for Android | iOS (Free)

5. CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream is the world's leading documentary streaming service . Documentaries are a comprehensive educational tool that can help keep your brain sharp. They allow you to learn new concepts and improve the depth of your knowledge. Learn about nature, astronomy, history, or nutrition through high-quality documentaries.

Apart from the numerous categories and titles, the platform has a special section for kids called the Curiosity KIDS. Also, new titles are added to the platform every week. That means you will never run out of content to watch. You can even browse shows by specific collections.

CuriosityStream is one of the best visual learning tools. With thousands of 4K documentaries, you'll always have something new to learn.

Download: CuriosityStream for Android | iOS (Starts at $2.99/month)

Refind is an article curation app that can help you gain advanced knowledge about any subject. Like Deepstash, it creates a highly personal feed based on your interests. While signing up, you have to select topics, rate links, and follow thought leaders and publications. The more you interact with the in-app suggestions, you will get a more accurate feed.

A differentiating factor is the quality of content on the platform. However, Refind does not present articles in crunched format. Instead, it encourages you to read seven articles a day to become smarter in a specific niche. If you do not have the time to read an article, you can listen to it instead.

For example, if you're interested in science, you can follow and read articles by NASA, MIT Technology Review, TED, and much more. Refind has one of the best content personalization. Therefore, you only get access to the type of content you like.

Download: Refind for Android | iOS (Free)

If you find reading long articles and hundreds of pages difficult, Uptime is the perfect app for you. It summarizes a book, course, or documentary into 'hacks' that you can learn in just five minutes. Uptime delivers insights and summaries of each book in the format of Instagram-like stories.

You can access unlimited books, courses, personalized content, unlimited board creation, and much more in the premium version. However, Uptime will yield the best results if you use it as a complementary tool. After reading a book, you can revisit it on Uptime to remember the lessons and insights.

Download: Uptime for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

Learn More, Get Smart

The fundamental of mastering any subject or skill is to learn more about it constantly. Continuous learning and re-learning can indeed help you get smarter in that subject. Learning new ideas also helps keep the brain active and develop better critical thinking. Therefore, you can get a higher level of intellectual stimulation and improve over time with these apps.

• Virtual Experiences
• In-Person Experiences
• Hybrid Experiences
• Social Calendar [New]
• Experience FAQ
• Features & Benefits
• How Pricing Works
• Client Testimonials
• Happiness Guarantee
• Blog Articles
• Video Library
• View 48 Experiences

Problem Solving Games, Activities & Exercises for Adults

Here is our list of the best problem solving games, activities and exercises for adults.

Problem solving games are activities that require players to use critical thinking skills to solve puzzles. Example activities include escape rooms, Sudoku, and murder mysteries. The purpose of these exercises is to sharpen reasoning and decision-making skills in group settings and to do team building with employees.

These activities are a subset of remote team games , found in problem solving books , and are similar to team puzzles , team building brain teasers and team riddles .

This article contains:

• team building problem solving activities for employees
• free problem solving games for adults
• virtual problem solving activities for students
• group problem solving activities
• problem solving team builders

Here we go!

List of problem solving games & activities

From word and number puzzles to role-playing games, here is a list of inexpensive and free problem solving team builders that help groups practice the art of critical thinking and compromise.

1. Espionage! (Team Favorite)

For an exciting game of social deduction, check out Espionage! This thrilling experience will put your team’s wits and instincts to the test.

Espionage! offers the following:

• a 90-minute session led by an experienced host
• undercover teams of agents and spies
• challenging puzzles, tasks, and maneuvers
• team conversations to help uncover secret identities

The best part is we will bring all the necessary game materials to your preferred location. If you are interested in boosting communication and critical-thinking skills within your team, then consider Espionage!

Learn more about Espionage!

2. Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh (Hosted)

You can turn your team into skilled detectives with Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh! In this captivating mystery, participants will locate the stolen artwork, The Bedroom .

Key features of this experience include:

• a 90-minute adventure led by a world-class host
• detailed puzzles, clues, and mysteries to unravel
• trails of evidence and hidden secrets
• group discussions to find the art

Additionally, you can include a cocktail kit to spice up your event. Through Art Heist, you will enhance your team’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills!

Learn more about Art Heist: The Vanishing of Van Gogh .

Get our free team building toolbox

• icebreaker games
• bingo cards

3. War of the Wizards (Popular)

With War of the Wizards, teams roleplay as minions of powerful wizards to vanquish forces of evil. Participants will play thrilling games and go on a quest to restore harmony to the realm!

War of the Wizards offers the following:

• a 90-minute journey guided by a distinguished host
• immersive storytelling that transports players into a magical realm
• engaging activities like world-building, role-playing games, and storytelling
• opportunities for forming alliances, facing challenges, and going on quests

Through the power of imagination and teamwork, your team can overcome tasks and participate in an epic fantasy battle. To improve communication and bonds, include War of the Wizards in your agenda!

Learn more about War of the Wizards .

Sudoku is one of the most popular free problem solving games for adults. The objective of this game is to fill each box of a 9×9 grid so that every row, column, and letter contains each number from one to nine. The puzzle makes a great team challenge. To play Sudoku on Zoom, screen share the game board. Then, turn on the annotation features. Using the add text functions, participants can fill in the numbers on the grid.

We made a starter puzzle you can use in your next meeting or virtual team bonding session:

Here are more online Sudoku puzzles .

5. Crossword puzzles

Crossword puzzles are word games that ask players to fill in words based on clues. Words interconnect, and players must think critically about the surrounding words to select the right phrase for the space.

You can use an online crossword puzzle maker to create a custom puzzle. Here are a few themes you may want to consider:

• teammates’ tastes and interests
• company knowledge and history
• industry terms and trends

Or, create a miscellaneous puzzle just for fun.

We made a sample puzzle you can use for your game:

To complete puzzles during online meetings, you can use the share screen function and add text through annotations.

Or, subscribers can play the New York Times’ daily crossword puzzle virtually . Dictionary.com also offers a free daily online crossword puzzle .

Check out more vocabulary games .

6. Online Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are timed games that get groups working together to solve puzzles. Traditionally, players enter a locked room and must complete all puzzles in an hour or two to unlock the door. However, groups can also play escape rooms online.

Digital escape rooms typically come in one of two forms: in a Zoom room and led by a host, or in a choose-your-own adventure format via Google Forms or websites. To play escape rooms virtually, enter a video meeting and follow the prompts, or screen share the Google Form and work out the puzzles together.

Check out our full list of online escape rooms .

7. Murder Mysteries

Murder Mysteries are story-based games that ask players to take on the roles of suspects or detectives while trying to identify a killer. These games often involve reading lines from a script, searching for clues, and occasionally solving puzzles to get hints.

These games make participants pay attention to conversations, analyze other characters’ behavior, and search for hidden meaning in the script. Players must use their powers of observation and logic to unravel the mystery.

Check out our list of Zoom murder mystery games .

8. Treasure Hunts

Treasure hunts are scavenger hunts with intention. While virtual scavenger hunts often ask players to collect random items, treasure hunts require participants to locate clues that lead to other prompts and hints. The game typically ends with players finding a treasure or solving a mystery, sometimes both.

The treasure hunt can have a specific theme such as secret agent missions or a hunt for pirate treasure, or you can run a more general hunt. Teammates can either compete simultaneously via Zoom call, or can play the hunt on an app individually and compete to beat each other’s scores.

Check out our list of treasure hunt apps .

9. Poem or story challenge

Most team building problem solving activities for employees revolve around science, math, and logic. Poem/story challenges rely on writing skills and are sure to appeal to the language lovers on your team.

Each player receives a limited word bank to use to create a story or poem. Then, players have a few minutes to craft their pieces. Afterward, everyone reads out or screen shares their creations.

Here are a few word challenge activities you can do remotely:

• Found poems or stories : Participants make poems or stories out of words they find by visiting websites, searching emails, glancing out the window, or taking a walk or drive around the neighborhood.
• Random word generators : Teammates use a random word generator to populate a word bank, and must use each word in the poem or story.
• Poetry magnets : Group members make poems using poetry magnets. You can send poetry magnet sets to employees and assemble the verses on a cookie pan during a Zoom call. Or, teammates can play with poetry magnets online .
• Page poems: Participants receive one page of a book or magazine, and must make a poem or story by blocking out other words so only the chosen text remains visible. This activity is part storytelling, part art, since story crafters can illustrate the pages as part of the design.
• Ransom note stories or poems : Players cut out letters from magazines and must form new words to make poems and stories. Or, players can receive a mix of random letters, form words, and run the text through a ransom note generator .

These activities are suitable for teams and individual players.

10. Moral challenge

Some problems are ethical rather than factual. Moral judgment plays just as important a role in the decision-making process as technical prowess. Players can flex their moral problem-solving skills by tackling ethical dilemmas or social puzzles.

Here are some social problem solving games online:

• Moral machine
• Scruples – the game of moral dilemmas
• Morality play

To play these games, either download the apps, or pull up the website and then screen share the prompts. These games are best played when discussed as a group, because the more belief systems and opinions, the harder an issue is to resolve. These exercises provide practice for real-life conflict resolution.

You can find similar challenges on our list of online personality tests .

11. Frostbite

Frostbite is a group game that hones team leaders’ communication skills while sharpening teammates’ listening and cooperation skills. The premise behind the game is that a group of explorers gets caught in a snowstorm and must build a shelter. Frostbite has paralyzed the leaders’ hands and snow-blinded the rest of the team. The leader must give the team instructions to build a tent that can resist arctic winds.

To play Frostbite, each teammate wears a blindfold. Then, the leader gives directions. Once the structures are complete, players turn on a fan to test whether tents can withstand the wind.

Frostbite is usually an in-person game, however you can also play virtually. In the remote version of the game, teammates construct tents out of cards and tape, while the leader surveys the scene on screen.

This exercise demonstrates the challenges of leading remotely, as teams need to operate with minimal oversight or supervisor observation. Therefore, instructions need to be clear and direct to be effective.

Check out more team building games .

12. Virtual Hackathons

Hackathons are events where participants have a set amount of time to design and pitch a new product or solution. This type of event originated in the programming world and is often used to create new apps, however you can apply the game to any industry or school subject.

Virtual hackathons are online versions of the event. Teams enter the competition, then work with each other via virtual meeting software or remote work communication platforms to design the solution. At the end of the competition, teams pitch ideas to a panel of judges and a winner is decided.

To run a virtual hackathon, first announce the theme of the event and collect sign-ups. So that no teams work ahead, hint at the general idea of the issue, and only explain the precise problem when the event begins. Then, give teams anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete the project.

Discover more virtual hackathon ideas .

13. Improv games

Improv games are excellent problem solving activities. These exercises force participants to think and respond quickly to keep scenes moving in a logical and entertaining way.

Here are some good problem solving improv games:

Banned words : Performers cannot say certain words. Scene partners will conceive of situations that encourage the actors to use those words, and the actors must find alternatives, such as using synonyms or taking the scene in a new direction.

Scenes from a chat : Audience gives a suggestion for a scene, and players act the scene out. Though it’s a fictional and often ridiculous scenario, actors must react to the situation and solve the problem in order for the scene to end.

Miracle cure : Miracle cure is a quick-moving exercise that follows a simple format. One player declares, “I have a problem.” Another player responds, “I have a….[random object.]” The first player then replies, “great! I can use the [random object] to….” and describes how they will solve the problem.

Check out more problem-solving improv games .

14. Spaghetti Tower

The spaghetti tower is a classic team building game. Participants gather uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows, and must construct the tallest freestanding tower.

During the in-person version, players must construct one tall freestanding tower. However, for the virtual version of the game, players construct individual towers. You can send groups to breakout rooms for the build, then reconvene in the main room for judging. Teams are judged on three main factors: number of towers, height, and uniformity.

This version of the game not only tests the structural integrity of the tower, but also consistency and quality control. This exercise teaches teams to align and collaborate remotely, and produce a consistent product even when far apart.

15. What Would You Do?

What Would You Do? is a simple situational game that challenges participants to react to different circumstances. To play this game, read prompts one by one, and then ask participants to respond with gameplans. You can use the polling or raise hand feature to vote for the best option.

Here are some problem solving scenarios for adults or kids to use in the game:

• Zombies attack and you have to find a place to hide.
• You are at the zoo and the animals escape. Which one do you try to corral back into the pen first?
• After waiting in line for hours, someone cuts in front of you last minute. The person appears to be visually and hearing impaired, and doesn’t notice your protests. An official announces that due to diminishing supply, this individual will be the last in line to be served.
• You are eating a meal with important clients and/or your partner’s parents, and you want to impress. The individuals make you a dish that does not fit within your dietary restrictions, but you do not speak the same language and cannot explain why you do not want to eat.
• An imposter has infiltrated the organization, who looks, speaks, and behaves exactly like you. How do you convince your peers that you are the original?

For similar dilemmas, check out this list of Would You Rather? questions.

16. Desert Island Survival

Desert Island Survival is a game that challenges players to prioritize. The premise is that players have been stranded on an island, and must decide what order to perform survival steps.

Here are the possible actions:

• Set up shelter
• Explore the island
• Try to signal for help
• Make weapons for self-defense
• Build a raft to escape the island
• Start a fire
• Choose a group leader
• Search for other survivors

All group members must agree on the order of the steps. Players should explain the reasoning for the order of each step while ranking the actions.

Another version of the game involves players receiving a list of 15 to 20 items, and selecting five or so to bring to the island. You can also vary the location of the game, substituting remote islands for destinations like outer space or the distant past.

17. Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure stories enable readers to determine the outcome of the story by making decisions. Each action has a consequence that takes the tale in a different direction. Participants can try to guess how the story may unfold by talking through the different choices. When completing the activity in a group setting, the majority of the team must agree on an action before moving forward in the story.

There are a few ways to facilitate these activities online:

• Play an online role playing video game
• Watch an interactive movie like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
• Read from a Choose Your Own Adventure book on Zoom
• Click through a Choose Your Own Adventure platform
• Create your own story using a Google Form

Whichever way you choose to do the exercise, you can use the screen share feature in your virtual meeting software so that listeners can more easily follow along.

18. MacGyver

MacGyver is a show where the hero escapes sticky situations by improvising tools out of unlikely materials. For example, in one episode the hero makes a telescope out of a newspaper, magnifying lens, and a watch crystal.

To play MacGyver, you can either list three to five objects participants can use, or challenge players to use items that are within arms reach.

Simply state a desired end result, such as “a way to open a locked door,” or “a getaway vehicle,” and then ask teams to explain what they will build and how they will build it. To make the activity more collaborative, you can give teams five or ten minutes in breakout rooms to strategize and design a prototype.

19. Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons is a roleplaying game where players pretend to be magical figures and creatures. One player serves as the dungeon master, who guides the game, while the other players pick characters and make decisions to move the story forward. Upon choosing a course of action, players roll a twenty-sided die to determine whether or not the plan succeeds. The game is story-based, the possibilities are nearly limitless, and truly creative problem solving options arise. Also, since gameplay is mostly verbal, Dungeons & Dragons is an easy activity to do over Zoom.

Here are the basic rules for Dungeons & Dragons .

20. Pandemic

Pandemic is a game that pits players against the forces of nature in a race to contain and control disease outbreaks. At the beginning of the game, each player receives a role such as containment specialist or operations expert. Participants must carry out the duties of their roles by choosing appropriate actions. Pandemic is a great game for groups because each team member has a clear part to play, and players must collaborate and work together instead of competing against each other.

To play the game online, you can use a Pandemic game app , or talk through the exercise while one attendee moves and displays pieces on the board.

Note: The subject of this game might hit too close to home for some players, considering recent history. You can find games with similar mechanics that deal with different subject matter, such as Forbidden Island.

Check out more team building board games .

21. Model UN

Model UN is one of the best virtual problem solving activities for students. This exercise casts participants in the role of international diplomats who must negotiate to solve realistic problems. Each player assumes the role of a country ambassador and must form alliances and propose solutions to solve crises.

Here are some sample Model UN scenarios:

• Human rights violation by powerful country
• Food shortage
• Disease epidemic
• Technology privacy violations
• Civil war branching into surrounding countries
• Natural disasters

Depending on the size of the group, participants either take on the part of an entire government of a country, or play a certain role within the government. To carry out the activity on Zoom, players can take turns giving speeches, message other countries privately via the chat, meet in breakout rooms to form alliances or have more intimate discussions, and use the polling feature to vote on propositions.

If politics does not resonate with your group, then you can alter the exercise by applying the same activity structure to a different theme, such as the Justice League, movie characters, business board members, or reality TV stars.

The main purpose of the exercise is to research, talk through problems, and compromise. As long as these elements are present, then the specifics of the setup do not matter.

There are many types of problem solving activities for adults. You can do online problem solving games, which require a different skill set than in-person problem solving. For instance, communication must be much clearer and more abundant when group members are far apart and unable to demonstrate or pick up physical cues.

Though many problem solving games include props and in-person elements, there are many games you can play together online. These exercises work well as educational tools as well as team bonding accelerators. Upon completion, participants are likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and increased confidence. These games are also great practice for real life conflict resolution, creative thinking and team building.

Next check out this list of connection games , this collection of crime-solving games , and this post with conflict resolution games .

We also have a list of the best decision making books and a list of team building problems for work .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Problem solving activities

Here are common answers to questions about group problem solving activities.

What are problem solving games?

Problem solving games are challenges that ask players to think critically and use logic to overcome issues or answer riddles. Examples include sudoku, murder mysteries, and spaghetti towers. These games are also known as “problem solving exercises”, “problem and solution games” and “group problem solving activities.”

What are the best problem solving games for groups?

The best problem solving games for groups include online escape rooms, moral challenges, and improv games.

What are some good problem solving team building activities for students?

Some good problem solving activities for students include crossword puzzles, choose your own adventure stories, and model UN.

How do you play problem solving games online?

The best way to play problem solving games online is to join a video call meeting to talk through the issue. Using the screen sharing and digital whiteboard features helps participants visualize the problem more clearly. Breakout rooms give teams the chance to discuss the issue more intimately.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

We lead wildly fun experiences for teams with 1,000,000+ players to date.

4.96 / 5.0 rating on

50,225 Google Reviews

Get our free team building tool box

$49 value at no cost..

• May as well check it out?
• 100+ tested icebreaker questions
• 24+ themed Bingo generators
• 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
• 2024 team building calendar and more...

Enter your email for instant access

The Tech Edvocate

• Advertisement
• Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
• Home Page Four
• Home Page Three
• Home Page Two
• Icons [No Sidebar]
• Left Sidbear Page
• Lynch Educational Consulting
• My Speaking Page
• Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
• Newsletter Unsubscription
• Page Example
• Privacy Policy
• Protected Content
• Request a Product Review
• Shortcodes Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• The Edvocate
• The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
• Write For Us
• Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
• The Edvocate Podcast
• Assistive Technology
• Child Development Tech
• Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
• EdTech Futures
• EdTech News
• EdTech Policy & Reform
• EdTech Startups & Businesses
• Higher Education EdTech
• Online Learning & eLearning
• Parent & Family Tech
• Personalized Learning
• Product Reviews
• Tech Edvocate Awards
• School Ratings

How to Find Atomic Number: 10 Steps

3 ways to unlock a samsung j7, how to obtain letters testamentary, how to use a luggage strap: 7 steps, 3 ways to increase the horsepower of your 4 cylinder car, how to prevent brain cancer: 11 steps, 3 ways to get over a long relationship that ended, how to buy land at auction, relationship anxiety test, how to hashtag on facebook: 6 steps, 7 must have apps, tools, and resources that develop critical thinking skills.

Gone are the days where children were expected to memorize facts and recite them at any given time. Instead, it is hoped that children will develop critical thinking skills so that they can analyze situations, think about different outcomes, and present well-reasoned conclusions. To help children develop critical thinking skills, there are some apps, tools, and resources. Here is a list of the top seven.

• Guess the Code

While this app is presented as a game, it is actually a great way for children to look at patterns and sequences, and try to figure them out. The app generates different color combinations, and it is up to the user to decipher the pattern and enter the next color.

• SimplePhysics

Physics can be a daunting subject, but the new way of approaching it makes physics more of a hands-on subject that gets students to engage in problem-solving actively. SimplePhysics provides games and puzzles that test the limits of students’ critical thinking skills.

• A Clockwork Brain

This app has a range of games in such categories as memory, attention, language, reasoning, and dexterity. Critical thinking is strengthened as children must work quickly to solve the problems before moving on to more challenging puzzles.

• Civilization VI

Now in its sixth iteration, this modern computer game is not just fun; it’s actually a place for children (and adults) to use the full extent of their imagination and critical thinking skills. The game starts with the dawn of humans, and it is up to the player to help them achieve civilization through each time period. Users must decide what it takes for a culture to evolve and this is no easy task.

• Whooo’s Reading

One of the most important steps in the journey towards critical thinking is the ability to read and interact with books. Reading is more than just memorizing letter combinations. It is about understanding the motive behind characters and the importance of setting. It is about connecting plot developments with real life and making connections between the two. To help students engage more when reading, Whooo’s Reading is a program that works to connect books at a deeper level. As a result of this program, students often increase their love of reading and as a bonus, do better on reading exams.

Social media has become pervasive in today’s culture, and while platforms like Twitter and Instagram can lead to more harm than good for most youth, social media can be used to an educator’s advantage. Edmodo provides a platform for students and teachers to engage in collaborative projects that help to foster creative thinking skills. It is a tool that can be used to bring students’ ideas together.

• Highlights Every Day

This app is a nostalgic treat for anyone that eagerly awaited their monthly Highlights magazine subscription. Updated for today’s technological world, Highlights Every Day is an app that features engaging puzzles, stories, and videos.

Critical thinking should be fostered because it creates students who actively engage in the world around them. It prepares children for a world where they will become adults and will need to navigate life. Critical thinking skills can be developed in fun, creative settings through the use of these apps, tools, and resources.

8 Essential Digital Literacy Skills That Students ...

13 must-have biology apps and tools.

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

Kids code their own 3D creations with new blocks-based design program

10 trends that are reshaping edtech.

Make a match: How some schools decide what education technology to buy

EdTech Should Change the Way Teachers Teach

7 educational technology concepts every teacher should know about.

What Are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality in K-12 Schools

5 Interesting Activities & Games for Boosting Critical Thinking Skills in Adults

Last Updated on February 10, 2022 by Editorial Team

With their superior intellect, humans have constantly been evolving to overcome their environment and barriers to their goals. Necessity, the adage says, is the mother of invention; indeed, the process of systematic analysis of an issue at hand to come to a conclusive judgment is how one solves the issue. This process is termed “ critical thinking “. 

Akin to Sherlock Holmes’s deductive reasoning, critical thinking entails using one, or a combination, or all of the following steps :

• Observation of a given situation
• Wondering or formulating a question 
• Imagining (“what could be the possible answers?”)
• Drawing inferences from the gathered information, assuming one of the possible answers was accurate. If there is sufficient relevant evidence, one may come to a definitive conclusion.
• Using stored Knowledge related to the subject matter to generate possible solutions or drawing inferences 
• Experimenting, aka systematic observation/trial-and-error, to predict whether the inferences (as deduced from the above) will occur.
• Consulting or researching the situation to extract credible information from one or many sources, judging the acceptability of this information 
• Identifying and analyzing arguments
• Judging based on all evidence
• Deciding on what to do

Critical thinking games push participants to go “out-of-the-box”, shatter “group-think” tendencies, and take non-conventional routes to reach a decision. Adults can handle more complex problems, and the settings in which such games are played may require them to socialize, making use of multi-dimensional skillsets and sources of Knowledge. Employees may be involved in brain training activities, but games can prove to be better for upskilling them.

List of activities that involve adults thinking critically!

1. shrinking vessel.

This is a team-building activity that is best played with more than 30 participants. The population is split up into small teams of 2-4, and everyone is enclosed in a shrinking space that can be achieved by flexible boundaries—rope, cones, etc.

As the area reduces, each team has to work in tandem to stand together. If the playing group is large, teams may need to eliminate opponent group members or reorganize themselves to fit the area until there is no room to accommodate.

Skills developed: Strategizing, space utilization, organization skills, awareness of the surroundings

2. Solving Mystery

When it comes to critical thinking, nothing can be better than playing detective. Split up the members into teams of 4-5 and give each team member a sheet of clues/information. Now, the list of information is incomplete or jumbled up. For example:

Member 1 gets a sheet with clues 1, 4, 5

Member 2 gets a sheet with clues 7, 3, 6

Member 3 gets a sheet with clues 2, 8

Member 4 gets the problem statement (the actual question that they need to solve).

Teams must follow the clues to crack the mystery (objectives may be hypothetical or uncovering the root cause of a real problem). With effective communication, participants learn to work on the problem by gathering all sources of information.

Skills developed: Collecting relevant information, eliminating redundant or irrelevant facts, problem-solving, effective communication

3. Film or Book Review

This individual activity aims to develop the participant’s keen eye and go beyond superficial aspects of a given movie/book. Participants can be asked to review their favourite literary/artistic piece over the weekend and present their critical appreciation. It will set them thinking on the purpose of their consuming rather than passively reading or watching. 

When done in a group, there may be people who have watched it previously. The activity invites stimulating debate and discussion and brings to light many facets of a standard item. Some people may go above and beyond, seeking information about its music, author, director, etc., and draw inferences on the mood and contemporary times when the piece was written/set in. 

Skills developed: Collecting relevant information, effective communication, multi-way thinking, creative thinking

4. Fact vs Opinion

In modern society, the difference between fact and opinion is a highly blurred line. While a fact can be proven true or false, opinions express one’s feeling or point-of-view, and therefore cannot be differentiated as true or false. The Socratic method of inquiry, which pushes participants to ask “why”, is the motivation behind this activity. 

Here, participants are shown several statements on a screen/board that are either fact or opinion. Participants will mark each of these statements as “F” (if it is a fact) or “O” if it is an opinion. The next part is to have the participants explain why the statement can or cannot be proven to be a fact. Some questions that can be used to guide the discussion are available here .  

Skills developed: Reasoning, logical conclusions, discussion

5. Connect 4

This beloved and popular strategy game can be played physically or online by people of all age groups. The objective is to connect four-player A’s colored coins in a straight line by dropping them into the coin holder before the opposition party does.

It requires the players to apply anticipatory thinking, thinking about all possible outcomes. It can be considered to be a simpler version of chess.

Skills developed : Problem-solving, anticipation.

Wrapping Up

While critical thinking demands a highly systematic approach, it does not mean you can’t tweak the rules. A cognitive bias is encountered when one generalizes a problem to be the same in all contexts; for example, water scarcity in village A may not arise from the same environmental factors as in village B. Therefore, the same solution cannot be applied to both scenarios. 

Games are not just fun: they break the monotony and get participants to involve multisensory order thinking skills. These activities will help the workers and the organizations, boosting output and productivity. 

Some games help us acquire critical thinking skills, making us productive and increasing our output in the workplace. It fosters trust and problem-solving skills.

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

7 Puzzles to Challenge Your Critical Thinking

Can you spot the connections and sort these items.

Posted March 5, 2015 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

The theme of this post is critical thinking—and the kinds of puzzles that can be constructed around it. This term is used frequently in psychology and education . There are various definitions, but the one that best suits our purpose and which is, in the end, perhaps the best, is the ability to comprehend the logical connections among ideas, words, phrases, and concepts . In the relevant scientific literature, of course, the term is used much more broadly as a framework for understanding human cognition . But in my opinion, the best way to understand things is to construct puzzles to illustrate their basic essence.

Critical thinking involves skill at recognizing a pattern in given information and especially recognizing how the information is connected to the real world. Here are a couple of very simple examples. First, consider the five words below:

• Cruise ship
• Walking on foot
• Automobile (not a race car)

Now, put them in order from the slowest to the fastest, when they are going at maximum speed. The solution, of course, is: 4-2-5-1-3.

As with all such puzzles, there might be slightly different solutions—one could claim that some automobiles go faster than cruise ships. This “indeterminacy” characterizes this kind of thinking. However, some puzzles are straightforward. For instance, what do the following five things have in common?

The answer? These are all words referring to shades of blue.

The seven puzzles below are to the ones above, though hopefully more challenging. Some involve knowledge of facts, but critical thinking is still involved in such cases because the organization of the facts according to some principle is always involved—for example, a puzzle may ask you to put five items in order of their dates of invention.

The following tongue-in-cheek definition of critical thinking by Richard W. Paul, a leading expert on critical thinking theory, says it all: “Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking while you’re thinking in order to make your thinking better.”

I. What do the following 5 things have in common?

• Orange juice

II. Put the following buildings or structures in order of height, from the shortest to the tallest.

• Typical camping tent

III. What do the following animals have in common?

IV. Put the following inventions in order from earliest to most recent.

V. What feature do the following words have in common?

• Imagination

VI. Put these bodies of water in order in terms of volume, from smallest to largest .

VII. What do the following landmasses have in common?

I. They are all drinkable liquids. II. 5-1-4-3-2 III. They all have a tail. They are also all quadrupeds. IV. To the best of my knowledge: 5-4-3-1-2 V. They start with a vowel: a, e, i, o, u VI. 4-2-1-5-3 VII. They are all peninsulas.

Marcel Danesi, Ph.D. , is a professor of semiotics and anthropology at Victoria College, University of Toronto. His books include The Puzzle Instinct and The Total Brain Workout .

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Teletherapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Therapy Center NEW
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

Understanding what emotional intelligence looks like and the steps needed to improve it could light a path to a more emotionally adept world.

• Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

Mind by Design

21 Amazing thinking games for adults | Classic brain games

Thinking games for adults is the best way to train your brain. It not only improves your intellectual capacity but also sharpens up your skills and makes you more productive.

Thinking games for adults will help you to:

• It helps you in increasing your creativity and imagination.
• It increases your concentration skills.
• It improves your memory and information retention ability.
• It builds and repairs brain cells.

It helps you in making a decision quickly. It also sharpens up your thinking process by playing with logic and challenging yourself with puzzles, games, riddles, knowledge-based games etc.

In this post we will present 21 of the best thinking games for adults , so you can see and choose which one is best for you!

1. Mind Benders

Mind Benders by Martin Gardner is a game of logic and puzzles. This game is a collection of puzzle problems that include Zen koan questions, puzzles in geometry, and magic squares.

To play this game you need to solve the problems in order starting from easy to hard. Once you are done with answering the easy ones, you can move on to the next harder ones until you have finished all of them.

Sudoku, which means “single number”, is a popular logic game. It is a Japanese puzzle of numbers in which players must fill in the blanks so that each row, column, and region contain the digits 1 to 9 and no more than four of them are used together in each row, column, or region.

3. Flip Question

This game requires you to answer the questions in a logical way, without relying on any wrong information. It is kind of a simple puzzle involving finding the right order for the numbers that are shown from 1 to 80.

4. Logic Trails

Logic Trails is a game that requires you to follow a trail of logical deductions. The basic rules are:

• Be sure to not make any assumptions.
• Always start with an assumption.
• Weave logic from the given premises to the conclusion. What do you need more than anything else is to be sure that your answer is correct and values your ideas?

5. Hinge Puzzle

Hinge Puzzle is a classic game with a lot of challenging questions. It requires you to find the ways by which the three given figures can be connected into one figure, without lifting the puzzle apart and possibly disabling it from being completed.

6. Tower of Hanoi

Tower of Hanoi is a strategy game for 2 players who are trying to get their wooden disks on top of the tower filled with discs. One person moves the disks at a time, while the other player is trying to stop them.

7. 20 November 2012 Brain Teaser

From 20 November 2012, this puzzle will keep your brain working as it asks you to solve a riddle every time you look at it. Your mission is to find out what happened on this day by solving all kinds of riddles and puzzles.

Bamboo is a classic board game that requires you to move the tokens from start to finish in order. There will be various obstacles in the way that you must avoid in order to get your token moved. You can also use logic and help other players by giving them boosts on their way.

9. Labyrinth

This is a great strategy game that requires you to move your token by using the correct path among the colored labyrinths. You will have to start from easy ones and then move your way towards harder ones.

10. Monopoly Empire

Monopoly Empire is a fun logical game that requires you to build your empire in a realistic manner just as the original game does. The only thing is that this version requires you to build your empire from scratch.

11. Moondial

Moondial is a classic logic game that requires you to follow the instructions given to get the token through a maze of obstacles. You would have to start at easy ones and then move on to harder ones until you have completed all of them.

12. Transport

Transport is a logic game that allows you to race a vehicle in a puzzle-like scenario just like the original board game. The only difference between this version and the original one is that the puzzle will be solved with a vehicle rather than with trains.

13. Hangman’s Puzzle

This is an easy puzzle game that requires you to find out the letter that can form words from the given stack of letters, without using any letters twice in the same word. It is also great for improving your memory and attention skills.

14. The Alphabet Game

The Alphabet Game is a fun game that requires you to guess the letters by making use of your logic and knowledge. This game starts from the alphabet A and it will keep on going until you cannot guess it in any other way from any other letter. The aim is to try to guess them all!

15. Sudoku meets Asteroid

Excluding the differences in the rules, it is still a Sudoku game, you must fill up all the cells on a grid so that each row, column and region has only 1 to 9 numbers. The only difference here is that instead of using numbers 1 to 9, you will be using letters of the alphabet.

16. Letter Sequence

Letter Sequence is a fun puzzle game that requires you to identify the sequence in which the letters are given. The only difference is that they are not numbers but letters of the alphabet. This game will test your memory and attention skills as it requires you to remember them all.

17. Magic Square Puzzle

The magic square puzzle is a great thinking game that consists of square blocks filled with various letters. It will test your logical thinking skills as you have to find the square blocks that consist of some letters and use a combination of them to form a whole number.

18. Jigsaw Puzzle Fun

Like the original jigsaw puzzles, this version features over 15 different puzzles that feature animals like lions, kangaroos, sharks, dolphins, elephants and more. It requires you to put the puzzle pieces together in order so that there are no overlapping or missing pieces.

19. Alignment Game

Alignment Game is a great puzzle game that requires you to connect the dots on a grid to form various patterns. This game will test your memory and attention skills by asking you to solve the pattern without looking at the given grid.

20. Rubik’s Snake

Rubik’s Snake is another great logic game that will require you to find out a snake by rotating the blocks around it until it has become a snake again. The only thing is that this version is played with a snake instead of blocks and will test your logical thinking skills instead.

21. Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune is a logic game that requires you to match the letters on the wheel so that each letter on the wheel lands on an appropriate letter in the grid. It will test your memory and attention skills as it requires you to remember them all!

Conclusion – thinking games for adults

Playing thinking and puzzle games is not just a fun activity that the kids do. It is also a great way for adults to improve their memory, brainpower and logic skills . The best thing about these games is that they are fun to play and they require a lot of thinking as well.

These games will help you increase your IQ level by giving you the ability to make logical decisions in various situations without having to worry about the outcome. They also improve your problem-solving skills by testing and training them every time you play one of these games.

Playing these games can also help you to develop your logical reasoning and become better at making decisions in a more efficient manner. The best part about playing these games is that they are very fun!

Now that you have found out the best thinking and puzzle games for adults, it is time to try one of them and see for yourself how much your IQ has improved or how much better you have become at playing them.

Similar Posts

This Too Shall Pass – What Does It Mean and How To Use It

A common saying is “this too shall pass,” which means that you will one day be free from whatever you’re going through. This saying has a lot of different meanings and can also be used in a variety of situations. This blog post will discuss what this phrase means to different people, some helpful and…

11 Reasons why happiness is a choice

People often ask if happiness is a choice? The reality is yes it is. We are all born with the natural state of happiness as our default function. The most important question new-age thinkers are asking is not if happiness is a choice, but what can we do to make it a reality? 11 Reasons…

What are some examples of self-confidence?

Sometimes people need examples to understand a concept. In this case, self-confidence is something that is built up with your experiences. Therefore, there aren’t many examples of self-confidence because we all have different things that we’re good at and bad at. Nevertheless, here are a few: 1. Completing a task correctly When you feel self-confident,…

Is listening to music a hobby? (10 benefits of listening to music)

Yes, of course, listening to music is a hobby and is probably one of the best hobbies we can think of. It has been scientifically proven to have innumerable benefits for our health and is just as enjoyable as any other hobby. In fact, it can be one of the most important things to individuals…

Do Not Allow My Confidence To Offend Your Insecurity

Do Not Allow My Confidence To Offend Your Insecurity Confidence is an important trait that can have a positive impact on an individual’s life. It can be defined as a feeling of self-assurance and self-reliance, which can be beneficial in many aspects of life. However, when someone’s confidence is perceived as a threat to another…

How not to react emotionally (13 simple tips to respond rather than react)

We’ve all been guilty of reacting emotionally at some point in our lives. Emotional responses to situations can often degenerate into a hysterical argument, a humiliating tirade, an awkward encounter or just an all-around bad experience. So this article will take you through how not to react emotionally. This may be something that happens worse…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Critical thinking definition

Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process, which is why it's often used in education and academics.

Some even may view it as a backbone of modern thought.

However, it's a skill, and skills must be trained and encouraged to be used at its full potential.

People turn up to various approaches in improving their critical thinking, like:

• Developing technical and problem-solving skills
• Engaging in more active listening
• Actively questioning their assumptions and beliefs
• Seeking out more diversity of thought
• Opening up their curiosity in an intellectual way etc.

Is critical thinking useful in writing?

Critical thinking can help in planning your paper and making it more concise, but it's not obvious at first. We carefully pinpointed some the questions you should ask yourself when boosting critical thinking in writing:

• What information should be included?
• Which information resources should the author look to?
• What degree of technical knowledge should the report assume its audience has?
• What is the most effective way to show information?
• How should the report be organized?
• How should it be designed?
• What tone and level of language difficulty should the document have?

Usage of critical thinking comes down not only to the outline of your paper, it also begs the question: How can we use critical thinking solving problems in our writing's topic?

Let's say, you have a Powerpoint on how critical thinking can reduce poverty in the United States. You'll primarily have to define critical thinking for the viewers, as well as use a lot of critical thinking questions and synonyms to get them to be familiar with your methods and start the thinking process behind it.

Are there any services that can help me use more critical thinking?

We understand that it's difficult to learn how to use critical thinking more effectively in just one article, but our service is here to help.

We are a team specializing in writing essays and other assignments for college students and all other types of customers who need a helping hand in its making. We cover a great range of topics, offer perfect quality work, always deliver on time and aim to leave our customers completely satisfied with what they ordered.

The ordering process is fully online, and it goes as follows:

• Select the topic and the deadline of your essay.
• Provide us with any details, requirements, statements that should be emphasized or particular parts of the essay writing process you struggle with.
• Leave the email address, where your completed order will be sent to.
• Select your prefered payment type, sit back and relax!

With lots of experience on the market, professionally degreed essay writers , online 24/7 customer support and incredibly low prices, you won't find a service offering a better deal than ours.