Final answer:
While involved students may often develop better time management and critical thinking skills through balancing responsibilities and problem-solving, these skills are not exclusively linked to involvement and can be developed in other ways. A student's existing skills can influence their inclination to get involved, and the nature of their activities also plays a role. Moreover, efforts in academics alone can also lead to a valuing of education and the growth of these skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that involved students are better time-managers and have better critical thinking skills than those that do not get involved is a premise that can be true in some cases but may not universally hold for all students. Involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, or community projects can improve time management and critical thinking skills as students are often required to balance multiple responsibilities and solve problems. However, these skills are not exclusively developed through involvement; they can also be honed through individual pursuits, academic work, and other aspects of student life.
It's also important to consider that involvement may relate to a student's preexisting skills and attributes. A student with good time management and critical thinking may be more inclined to get involved in the first place. Furthermore, varying levels of engagement and the nature of the activities can influence the development of these skills.
Studies have shown that students who apply themselves diligently in their coursework, which may require substantial effort, report learning more and valuing their education highly, regardless of the grades received. This effort, whether in individual study or group involvement, is associated with the development of strong time management and critical thinking abilities.