Human beings learn by example. This is no different. If students are finding it hard to think, then perhaps it's because they have no examples around them of p

Human beings learn by example. This is no different. If students are finding it hard to think, then perhaps it's because they have no examples around them of people thinking. Principle of parsimony. There's also a character aspect to it. Making decisions based on your own evaluations (not an authority figure's) takes courage and confidence. To listen to others' input and re-evaluate your own decisions requires humility. To act rationally in the face of strong emotions requires tranquility of mind. Do students find in their role models the traits of courage, humility, and tranquility, or do they find the opposite; cowardice, self-righteousness, and panicky over-reaction? If all the adults in the room are freaking out over every little problem, shaming and blaming each other, and waiting on someone higher-up to make all their important decisions for them, how can you possibly expect students to learn critical thought from them?