This study aims to examine the pedagogies, characteristics, and practices that influence the development of students’ critical and creative thinking, which are essential skills in 21st-century education. A literature review of various local and international studies was conducted to identify effective strategies and gaps in existing literature, particularly in the Philippine context. The analysis focused on four innovative pedagogies—Design Thinking, Dialogic Teaching, Metacognitive Pedagogy, and Project-Based Learning—as well as factors such as teachers’ attitudes, motivation, and beliefs, along with their actual teaching practices. Results revealed that these pedagogies have a clear positive impact on enhancing problem solving, collaboration, innovation, and students’ deep understanding.