Critical thinking, viewed as rational and analytic thinking, is crucial for participation in a knowledge economy and society. This article provides a brief presentation of the importance of teaching critical thinking in a knowledge economy; suggests a conceptual model for teaching thinking; examines research on the historical role of teachers in the development of critical thinking; outlines the roles of students, teachers, and parents in the improvement of thinking; and discusses the main impediments to successful development of critical thinking skills in students. (Contains 1 table.)