How can teachers foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students?

How can teachers foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students?

Have every student, between ages 12 and 17/18 at graduation, debate with their classmates as many issues as possible, either political or non-political in nature.

A few rules:

A debate team would consist of 4 to 6 people per side. A team can have 4 team members that present an argument, and 2 in reserve that lend to the research and argument development, and take the place of any member that unexpectedly cannot present.

No team member may use personal judgement or opinion in their arguments. The only permissible arguments are those that state verifiable facts (with citations/bibliography).

Every student must have an opportunity to argue both positions (FOR and AGAINST) of any issues that they are part of debating.

Regardless of the position a student is debating (FOR or AGAINST), he/she must apply him/her self to winning the debate.

A good teacher tells students where to look, but does not tell students what to see.