A brain-tree symbolizes how mentoring enriches cognitive development, interweaving connections between knowledge and personal growth.

Unlock Your Potential: How Mentoring Boosts Critical Thinking

Reese Marlowe in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Life Science Mentors Outperform Peers in Key Analytical Skills"

In today's rapidly evolving job market, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. Employers consistently seek graduates who can analyze, question, and innovate. Recognizing this need, educational programs are increasingly focusing on methods to enhance these cognitive abilities. A notable example is the Nebraska Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math 4U (NE STEM 4U) program, which utilizes undergraduate mentors to provide STEM education to K-8 students.

A recent study investigated the impact of serving as an undergraduate mentor in the NE STEM 4U program on critical thinking skills. Researchers compared undergraduate mentors with a matched group of non-mentor STEM majors, using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) to measure changes in their abilities before and after a year-long intervention. The results revealed significant gains in critical thinking among the mentors compared to their non-mentoring peers.

Before the intervention, both groups scored similarly on the CCTST. However, the post-test results highlighted notable improvements in the mentors' math-related skills, specifically in analysis, inference, and numeracy. This suggests that mentoring not only benefits the younger students but also provides substantial cognitive advantages for the undergraduate mentors themselves.

The Power of Mentorship: Sharpening Analytical Skills

A brain-tree symbolizes how mentoring enriches cognitive development, interweaving connections between knowledge and personal growth.

The study underscores the idea that teaching and mentoring roles can significantly enhance critical thinking skills, especially in quantitative areas. These findings align with the broader emphasis on 'soft skills' that are highly valued across various professions. While mentoring programs are known to benefit mentees, this research provides empirical evidence of the positive impact on the mentors themselves.

Critical thinking involves a range of cognitive processes essential for problem-solving and decision-making. The Delphi Report, a widely recognized framework, defines critical thinking as 'purposeful, self-regulatory judgment' involving interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation. The CCTST, the tool used in this study, is designed to measure these specific components of critical thinking. The mentors' gains in analysis, inference, and numeracy suggest an enhanced ability to break down complex information, draw logical conclusions, and apply mathematical concepts effectively.

Analysis: Improved ability to identify the structure of arguments and glean information from data.
Inference: Enhanced skill in drawing conclusions based on evidence and reason.
Numeracy: Greater competence in interpreting figures and tables, making informed judgments based on quantitative data.

These improvements are particularly relevant in today's data-driven world, where the ability to interpret and apply quantitative information is highly valued. By actively engaging in mentoring, undergraduate students not only reinforce their understanding of STEM concepts but also hone their analytical skills in a practical, real-world setting.

The Broader Implications: Investing in Mentorship

The findings of this study have important implications for educators and policymakers. By supporting and promoting mentoring programs, institutions can cultivate critical thinking skills that are essential for academic success and future career prospects. Furthermore, the success of the NE STEM 4U program underscores the importance of providing undergraduate students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, real-world experiences that enhance their cognitive abilities. As education continues to evolve, integrating mentorship into curricula can be a powerful strategy for developing well-rounded, analytical thinkers ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1187/cbe.18-03-0038, Alternate LINK

Title: Life Science Undergraduate Mentors In Ne Stem 4U Significantly Outperform Their Peers In Critical Thinking Skills

Subject: General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Journal: CBE—Life Sciences Education

Publisher: American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)

Authors: Kari L. Nelson, Claudia M. Rauter, Christine E. Cutucache

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the NE STEM 4U program, and how does it aim to improve critical thinking skills?

The NE STEM 4U program utilizes undergraduate mentors to provide STEM education to K-8 students. It is designed to enhance cognitive abilities, particularly critical thinking skills, by engaging undergraduate students in hands-on, real-world experiences. This program not only benefits the younger students being mentored but also provides substantial cognitive advantages for the undergraduate mentors themselves, especially in areas like analysis, inference, and numeracy.

How does the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) measure critical thinking abilities?

The California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) is designed to measure specific components of critical thinking. It assesses abilities such as interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation. In the study, it was used to measure changes in the undergraduate mentors' critical thinking abilities before and after their involvement in the NE STEM 4U program.

According to the study, what specific benefits did undergraduate mentors experience through the NE STEM 4U program?

The study showed that undergraduate mentors in the NE STEM 4U program experienced significant gains in critical thinking skills compared to non-mentor STEM majors. Specifically, the mentors showed notable improvements in analysis, inference, and numeracy after a year-long intervention. This suggests that mentoring enhances the ability to break down complex information, draw logical conclusions, and apply mathematical concepts effectively.

What cognitive processes are involved in critical thinking, according to The Delphi Report, and why are these processes important?

Critical thinking, as defined by The Delphi Report, involves purposeful, self-regulatory judgment. This includes skills like interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and explanation. These cognitive processes are essential for problem-solving and decision-making, and are highly valued across various professions. While the Delphi Report provides a broad framework, specific tools like the CCTST are used to measure these components empirically.

What are the broader implications of improved analysis, inference, and numeracy skills, as highlighted by the study's findings?

The improved abilities in analysis, inference, and numeracy have significant implications in a data-driven world. Analysis helps in identifying the structure of arguments and gleaning information from data. Inference enhances the skill in drawing conclusions based on evidence and reason. Numeracy provides greater competence in interpreting figures and tables, making informed judgments based on quantitative data. These skills are crucial for academic success and future career prospects, enabling individuals to interpret and apply quantitative information effectively in real-world settings.