Introduction and Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of developing and validating a model of a critical thinking instructional package for students, as the enhancement of higher-order thinking skills in contemporary educational systems has been emphasized as a fundamental necessity for improving the quality of learning and fostering capable and analytical learners.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative research design. In the first phase, the statistical population included all credible scientific sources indexed in international databases between 2013 and 2023. The sources were selected through theoretical sampling based on keywords related to critical thinking instruction. In the second phase, in order to validate the developed package, the opinions of 15 experts in psychology and educational sciences were collected, and the internal validity of the program was assessed using CVR and CVI indices.

Findings: The results indicated that the critical thinking instructional package can be structured into three main domains: fostering critical attitudes (Socratic questioning, need for evidence, rational judgment and evaluation), development of cognitive skills (analysis, synthesis, inference, and problem-solving), and interactive and self-regulated learning (interaction and dialogue, experiential learning, metacognition, self-regulation, and cognitive restructuring). Data analysis led to the identification of 14 subcategories, representing the complete cycle of critical thinking from questioning to belief revision. Based on these findings, an 8-session instructional package was designed, with each session including specific objectives, instructional content, and practical assignments aimed at strengthening various critical thinking skills.

Conclusion: Overall, it can be concluded that the developed critical thinking instructional package has the necessary capacity to enhance critical attitudes, improve higher-order cognitive skills, and develop students’ self-regulation abilities. The implementation of this package in schools can contribute to improving learning quality, strengthening analytical and informed decision-making skills, enhancing problem-solving abilities, and preparing students to effectively face academic and real-life challenges.