The Learning, Teaching and Assessment of Critical Thinking in Higher Education
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
These days, critical thinking is one of the essential skills that learners need to develop. Enhancing this skill is mandatory since students who are more competent are more advantageous that those who are not. However, even if most scholars agree upon the importance of critical thinking, there is ongoing discussion about the most suitable teaching practices or methods that can be used in class to boost this skill. There are also still some warm debates about the learning, teaching and assessment of critical thinking. Additionally, there is no clear-cut definition of this concept. This study, then, aims at raising the issue of the learnability, teachability and assessment of critical thinking especially in higher education. It seeks to answer some of the questions that practitioners may ask in relation to critical thinking development.
Key words: critical thinking, teaching, assessment, learning, activities
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
References
Abrami, P., Bernard, R. M., Borokhovski, E., Wade, A., Surkes, M. A., Tamim, R., & Zhang, D. (2008). Instructional interventions affecting critical thinking skills and dispositions: A stage 1 meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 78(4), 1102–1134. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654308326084 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654308326084
Alawi, N. H., & Soh, T. M. (2019). The effect of project-based learning (PjBL) on critical thinking skills of Form Four students on the dynamic ecosystem topic “Vector! Oh! Vector!”. Creative Education, 10(12), 3107–3117. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1012235 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1012235
Al-Fadhli, S. (2008). Developing critical thinking in e-learning environment: Kuwait University as a case study (Doctoral dissertation).
Al-Ghadouni, A. M. (2021). Instructional approaches to critical thinking: An overview of reviews. Revista Argentina de Clínica Psicológica, 30(1), 240–246. https://doi.org/10.24205/03276716.2020.2020
Atkinson, D. (1997). A critical approach to critical thinking in TESOL. TESOL Quarterly, 31(1), 71–94. https://doi.org/10.2307/3587975 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3587975
Baker, M., & Rudd, R. (2001). Relationships between critical and creative thinking. Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research, 51(1), 173–188. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251671840_Relationships_between_Critical_and_Creative_Thinking
Behar-Horenstein, L. S., & Niu, L. (2011). Teaching critical thinking skills in higher education: A review of the literature. Journal of College Teaching and Learning, 8(2), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.19030/tlc.v8i2.3554 DOI: https://doi.org/10.19030/tlc.v8i2.3554
Belmekki, M., Belmekki, L., & Bani Koumachi, B. (2024). The effect of project-based learning on the development of learners' critical thinking skills in higher education: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Linguistics and Cultural Diversity, 5(1), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.34874/IMIST.PRSM/liri-v5i1.49980
Beniche, M. (2022). Investigating the relationship between critical thinking skills and argumentative writing skills in Moroccan higher education (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Ibn Tofail University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v5i1.1226
Berger, M. C. (1984). Critical thinking ability and nursing students. Journal of Nursing Education, 23, 306–308. https://doi.org/10.3928/0148-4834-19840901-10 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3928/0148-4834-19840901-10
Bidjerano, T. (2005, October). Gender differences in self-regulated learning. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Educational Research Association, Kerhonkson, NY.
Chaffee, J. (2009). Thinking critically. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Chiang, C.-L., & Lee, H. (2016). The effect of project-based learning on learning motivation and problem-solving ability of vocational high school students. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 6(9), 709-712. https://doi.org/10.7763/IJIET.2016.V6.779 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7763/IJIET.2016.V6.779
Crane, L. D. (1983). Unlocking the brain’s two powerful learning systems. Human Intelligence Newsletter, 4(4), 7.
Dallimore, E., Hertenstein, J. H., & Platt, M. B. (2004). Classroom participation and discussion effectiveness: Student-generated strategies. Communication Education, 53(2), 103-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/0363452032000135805 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0363452032000135805
Davidson, B. W. (2012). Comments on Dwight Atkinson’s “A critical approach to critical thinking in TESOL”: A case for critical thinking in the English language classroom. TESOL Quarterly, 46(1), 119-123. https://doi.org/10.2307/3587906 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3587906
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the educative process. D.C. Health and Company.
Dimmitt, N. (2017). The power of project-based learning: Experiential education to develop critical thinking skills for university students. In CBU International Conference on Innovations in Science and Education (pp. 575-579). Prague. https://doi.org/10.12955/cbup.v5.988 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12955/cbup.v5.988
Ennis, R. H. (1989). Critical thinking and subject specificity: Clarification and needed research. Educational Researcher, 18(3), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X018003004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X018003004
Ennis, R. H. (1991). Critical thinking: A streamlined conception. Teaching Philosophy, 14(1), 5-25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5840/teachphil19911412
Ennis, R. (1993). Critical thinking assessment. Theory into Practice, 32(3), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405849309543594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00405849309543594
Facione, P. A. (1990). Critical thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. Executive summary: "The Delphi Report". California Academic Press.
Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical Thinking: What is It and Why It Counts. Insight Assessment.
Fahim, M., & Ghamari, M. R. (2011). Critical thinking in education: Globally developed and locally applied. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 1(12), 1632-1638. Retrieved from https://www.academypublication.com/issues/past/tpls/vol01/11/24.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/tpls.1.11.1632-1638
Fisher, A. (2011). Critical thinking: An introduction (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Gadzella, B., Masten, W., & Huang, J. (1999). Differences between African American and Caucasian students on critical thinking and learning style. College Student Journal, 33(4), 538–542.
Garside, C. (1996). Look who's talking: A comparison of lecture and group discussion teaching strategies in developing critical thinking skills. Communication Education, 45(3), 212–227. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634529609379050 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634529609379050
Giraldo-García, R., Alotebi, H., & Roy, M. (2015). The interplay of technology and critical thinking skills in the 21st century blended classroom. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education Technology, 2(3), 32-35. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321934531_The_Interplay_of_Technology_ and_Critical_Thinking_Skills_in_the_21st_Century_Blended_Classroom
Graff, M. (2003). Learning from web-based instructional systems and cognitive style. British Journal of Educational Technology, 34(3), 407-418. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8535.00338 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8535.00338
Goodwin, J. (2003). Students' perspectives on debate exercises in content area classes. Communication Education, 52(2), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634520302466 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03634520302466
Güneşdoğdu, M. (2015). Teaching critical thinking skills through the use of short stories. Educational Research and Reviews, 10(19), 2693–2699. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2015.2403 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2015.2403
Halpern, D. F. (1988). Thought and knowledge: An introduction to critical thinking. Psychology Press.
Halvorsen, A. (2005). Incorporating critical thinking skills development into ESL/EFL courses. The Internet TESL Journal, 11(6). Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Articles/Halvorsen-CriticalThinking/
Hasanah, H., & Malik, M. N. (2020). Blended learning in improving students’ critical thinking and communication skills at university. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science, 15(5), 1295–1306. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v15i5.5168 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v15i5.5168
Ilyas, H. P. (2015). Critical thinking: Its representation in Indonesian ELT textbooks and education (Doctoral dissertation, University of York). Retrieved from White Rose eTheses Online
Kumar, P. (2019). Thought on thinking: Critical and Creative. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 6(6), 361-365.
Lai, E. R. (2011). Critical thinking: A literature review (Research Report). Pearson. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonassessments.com
Mason, M. (2007). Critical thinking and learning. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 39(4), 339–349. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2007.00343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-5812.2007.00343.x
Mathews, S. R., & Lowe, K. (2011). Classroom environments that foster a disposition for critical thinking. Learning Environments Research, 14(1), 59–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-011-9082-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-011-9082-2
McGuinness, C. (2005). Teaching thinking: Theory and practice. British Journal of Educational Psychology Monograph Series II: Pedagogy - Teaching for Learning, 3, 107–126. https://doi.org/10.1348/000709905X61003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/000709905X61003
McPeck, J. E. (1990). Critical thinking and subject specificity: A reply to Ennis. Educational Researcher, 19(4), 10–12. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X019004010
McGuinness, C., Eakin, A., Curry, C., & Sheehy, N. (2006). Building thinking skills in thinking classrooms: ACTS (Activating Children's Thinking Skills) in Northern Ireland. Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
Mingers, J. (2000). What is it to be critical? Teaching a critical approach to management undergraduates. Management Learning, 31(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507600312005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507600312005
Mortellaro, C. (2015). Exploring factors influencing critical thinking skills in undergraduate nursing students: A mixed methods study (Doctoral dissertation). Seton Hall University. Retrieved October 1, 2022, from https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/2107/
Niu, L., Behar-Horenstein, L. S., & Garvan, C. W. (2013). Do instructional interventions influence college students' critical thinking skills? A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 8(2), 114–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2012.12.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2012.12.002
Omelicheva, M. Y., & Avdeyeva, O. (2008). Teaching with lecture or debate? Testing the effectiveness of traditional versus active learning methods of instruction. PS: Political Science & Politics, 41(3), 603–607. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1049096508080815 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049096508080815
Oner, D. & Gunal-Aggul, Y. (2021). Critical thinking for teachers. To appear in. N. Rezaei (Ed.), Thinking: Integrated Education and Learning. Springer Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15963-3_18
Orlich, D. C., Harder, R. J., Callahan, R. C., Trevisan, M. S., & Brown, A. H. (2010). Teaching strategies: A guide to effective instruction. Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.
Paul, R. (1995). Critical thinking: How to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Foundation for Critical Thinking.
Paul, R. W., & Elder, L. (2002). Critical thinking: Tools for taking charge of your professional and personal life. Financial Times Prentice Hall.
Pithers, R. T., & Soden, R. (2000). Critical thinking in education: A review. Educational Research, 42(3), 237–249. https://doi.org/10.1080/001318800440579 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/001318800440579
Purvis, C. A. (2009). Factors that influence the development of critical thinking skills in associate degree nursing students (Doctoral dissertation). Georgia Southern University.
Rybold, G. (2006). Speaking, listening and understanding: Debate for non-native English speakers. International Debate Education Association.
Sasson, I., Yehuda, I., & Malkinson, N. (2018). Fostering the skills of critical thinking and question-posing in a project-based learning environment. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 28, 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.08.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2018.08.001
Schafersman, S. D. (1991). An introduction to critical thinking. Prentice Hall.
Scriven, M. (1976). Reasoning. McGraw-Hill.
Sedaghat, M., & Rahmani, S. (2011). A review of approaches to teaching thinking: Appropriate approach for Iran education system. Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30(1), 1037–1042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.202 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.202
Simpson, E., & Courtney, M. (2002). Critical thinking in nursing education: Literature review. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 8(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-172x.2002.00340.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-172x.2002.00340.x
Slavin, R. E. (2011). Student team learning: A practical guide to cooperative learning (3rd ed.). National Education Association.
Smith, D. G. (1977). College classroom interactions and critical thinking. Journal of Educational Psychology, 69(2), 180–190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.69.2.180 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-0663.69.2.180
Snyder, L. G., & Snyder, M. J. (2008). Teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills. Delta Pi Epsilon Journal, 50(2), 90-99. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ826495:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}R 03;:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Tilbury, C., Osmond, J., & Scott, T. (2010). Teaching critical thinking in social work education: A literature review. Advances in Social Work and Welfare Education, 11(1), 31-50. Retrieved from https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/38225/65228_1.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Tiruneh, D. T., De Cock, M., & Elen, J. (2017). Designing learning environments for critical thinking: Examining effective instructional approaches. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 16(6), 1065–1089. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9829-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9829-z
Utami, R. T., Saleh, M., Warsono, & Hartono, R. (2021). Factors affecting students' critical thinking development in EFL classrooms. In The 1st Paris Van Java International Seminar on Health, Economics, Social Science, and Humanities (pp. 221–223). Paris, France: Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210930.042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210304.046
Walker, S. E. (2003). Active learning strategies to promote critical thinking. Journal of Athletic Training, 38(3), 263–267. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7219979_Active_Learning_Strategies_to_Promote_Critical_Thinking/link/0deec527c3efd1a6d2000000/download
Wang, S. (2017). An exploration into research on critical thinking and its cultivation: An overview. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 7(12), 1266–1280. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0712.14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0712.14
Young, R. E. (1980). Testing for critical thinking: Issues and resources. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 1980(3), 77–89. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.37219800307 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.37219800307
Zhao, C., Pandian, A., & Singh, M. K. (2016). Instructional strategies for developing critical thinking in EFL classrooms. English Language Teaching, 9(10), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n10p14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v9n10p14