A professor intent on teaching for critical thinking uses exercises that require students to consider the possible merits of ideas or points of view that they may find unsettling or jarring. The professor argues that such teaching practices are essential to develop one's ability to think critically. Based on your understanding on ways to improve one's critical thinking, explain why the professor is correct.

There is convincing scientific evidence that students can improve their critical thinking. It is essential for students to engage issues and topics that can be unsettling or jarring because thinking carefully about difficult topics and troubling questions often makes us stronger critical thinkers. Just like with sports or music, those who skip practice should not expect to perform at their best when it really matters. Those who are so close-minded that they cannot entertain hypotheticals that diverge from their own opinions will find progress in critical thinking difficult. But the rest of us can expect many interesting and enjoyable opportunities to exercise each of our critical thinking skills and to strengthen our critical thinking habits of mind.